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The differences between field laboratory operators and laboratory researchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a field laboratory operator, becoming a laboratory researcher takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a field laboratory operator has an average salary of $54,062, which is higher than the $27,760 average annual salary of a laboratory researcher.
The top three skills for a field laboratory operator include lab equipment, chemistry and safety regulations. The most important skills for a laboratory researcher are lab procedures, cell culture, and molecular biology.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Yearly salary | $54,062 | $27,760 |
| Hourly rate | $25.99 | $13.35 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 109,087 | 57,359 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
Laboratory researchers are professionals who manage a research laboratory while performing cellular and biochemical experiments with the primary researcher. These researchers must work with hazardous chemicals and should show expertise in handling lab equipment such as glassware and field equipment. They are required to assist with research projects and interpret the test data of an experiment. They must manage the order of all lab equipment by filling up the purchase requisition forms. Laboratory researchers are required to work with students in all aspects of laboratory research.
Field laboratory operators and laboratory researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average salary | $54,062 | $27,760 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $77,000 | Between $17,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | New Brunswick, NJ |
| Highest paying state | - | Maine |
| Best paying company | - | Los Alamos National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | - | Education |
There are a few differences between a field laboratory operator and a laboratory researcher in terms of educational background:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Business | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between field laboratory operators' and laboratory researchers' demographics:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.6% Female, 37.4% | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |