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The differences between field laboratory operators and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a field laboratory operator and a chemical technician. Additionally, a field laboratory operator has an average salary of $54,062, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for a field laboratory operator include lab equipment, chemistry and safety regulations. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,062 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $25.99 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 109,087 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A field laboratory operator prepares a safe environment setting and checks on the equipment to be used in performing the experiment or procedure. They are responsible for recording results and correcting any discrepancies observed. They also make written reports and maintain and restock resources. They can train and hire laboratory assistants to increase manpower. They must also follow standard protocols and precautions while handling hazardous chemicals in and out of the laboratory. They collaborate with laboratory managers for the better execution of procedures and maintenance of the laboratory.
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Field laboratory operators and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,062 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $77,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | - | Maryland |
| Best paying company | - | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | - | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a field laboratory operator and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Business | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between field laboratory operators' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.6% Female, 37.4% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 9.3% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |