Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between field laboratory operators and chemistry technologists 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 technologist. Additionally, a field laboratory operator has an average salary of $54,062, which is higher than the $46,569 average annual salary of a chemistry technologist.
The top three skills for a field laboratory operator include lab equipment, chemistry and safety regulations. The most important skills for a chemistry technologist are lab equipment, chromatography, and analytical chemistry.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,062 | $46,569 |
| Hourly rate | $25.99 | $22.39 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 109,087 | 53,332 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| 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.
A chemistry technologist is responsible for evaluating chemical components and processes by performing laboratory tests and investigations to support scientific studies and claims. Chemistry technologists develop chemical solutions to create and improve existing features of commercial products and enhance the quality standards. They utilize various laboratory tools and equipment and ensure stability and efficiency to avoid potential hazards and generate accurate results. A chemistry technologist must have excellent scientific and critical-thinking skills to identify opportunities for chemical purposes and production processes.
Field laboratory operators and chemistry technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Technologist | |
| Average salary | $54,062 | $46,569 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $77,000 | Between $33,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | New Haven, CT |
| Highest paying state | - | Maryland |
| Best paying company | - | Tri-City Medical Center |
| Best paying industry | - | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a field laboratory operator and a chemistry technologist in terms of educational background:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Technologist | |
| 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 technologists' demographics:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemistry Technologist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.6% Female, 37.4% | Male, 52.8% Female, 47.2% |
| 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, 6.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 9.3% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |