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The differences between field laboratory operators and laboratory technicians 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 technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a field laboratory operator has an average salary of $54,062, which is higher than the $40,038 average annual salary of a laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a field laboratory operator include lab equipment, chemistry and safety regulations. The most important skills for a laboratory technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,062 | $40,038 |
| Hourly rate | $25.99 | $19.25 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 109,087 | 84,357 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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 technicians are medical professionals who work in the laboratory. They are responsible for the equipment in the laboratory, making sure tools are properly sanitized and sterilized after every use. They also ensure that laboratory equipment works well. Laboratory technicians may also be responsible for collecting and testing samples from patients. They prepare solutions and other chemicals that may be needed for testing. They also provide an analysis of the samples that they tested. Laboratory technicians ensure that all items in the laboratory are properly labeled and organized.
Field laboratory operators and laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,062 | $40,038 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $77,000 | Between $27,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | Alaska |
| Best paying company | - | Tenaska |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a field laboratory operator and a laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | New York University |
Here are the differences between field laboratory operators' and laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.6% Female, 37.4% | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |