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The differences between field laboratory operators and chemistry laboratory 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 chemistry laboratory technician. Additionally, a field laboratory operator has an average salary of $54,062, which is higher than the $40,072 average annual salary of a chemistry laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a field laboratory operator include lab equipment, chemistry and safety regulations. The most important skills for a chemistry laboratory technician are lab equipment, test results, and laboratory tests.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,062 | $40,072 |
| Hourly rate | $25.99 | $19.27 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 109,087 | 43,043 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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 laboratory technician is an individual who works in a designated laboratory to conduct analytical or lab-based tests on a variety of chemicals, materials, or products. Chemical laboratory technicians receive and test samples for quality assurance, safety inspection, or environmental impact. Under the supervision of chemists and other team members, they perform lab activities such as setting up lab equipment and preparing chemical solutions. Chemistry laboratory technicians can work in different industries such as pharmaceutical, mining, food, and environmental organizations.
Field laboratory operators and chemistry laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,062 | $40,072 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $77,000 | Between $32,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Denver, CO |
| Highest paying state | - | Maryland |
| Best paying company | - | Zoetis |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a field laboratory operator and a chemistry laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Business | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between field laboratory operators' and chemistry laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.6% Female, 37.4% | Male, 47.7% Female, 52.3% |
| 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, 7.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 9.2% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |