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The differences between field laboratory operators and chemistry laboratory assistants 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 chemistry laboratory assistant. Additionally, a field laboratory operator has an average salary of $54,062, which is higher than the $30,971 average annual salary of a chemistry laboratory assistant.
The top three skills for a field laboratory operator include lab equipment, chemistry and safety regulations. The most important skills for a chemistry laboratory assistant are lab equipment, lab safety, and chemistry lab.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Laboratory Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $54,062 | $30,971 |
| Hourly rate | $25.99 | $14.89 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 109,087 | 40,180 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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.
Chemical Laboratory Assistants are professionals who help researchers and scientists in performing lab experiments and tests. Their tasks involve the maintenance, cleanliness, or sterilization of laboratory equipment or instruments. They perform physical or chemical laboratory tests assisting scientists in the quantitative or qualitative analyses of liquids, gaseous materials, and solids. The necessary skills and knowledge for this job include chemistry, lab reporting, chemical solutions, and safety procedures.
Field laboratory operators and chemistry laboratory assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average salary | $54,062 | $30,971 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $77,000 | Between $16,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | - | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | - | Pace University |
| Best paying industry | - | Education |
There are a few differences between a field laboratory operator and a chemistry laboratory assistant in terms of educational background:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Laboratory Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Business | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between field laboratory operators' and chemistry laboratory assistants' demographics:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.6% Female, 37.4% | Male, 45.5% Female, 54.5% |
| 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, 6.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 9.5% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |