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Job outlook for field laboratory operators in the United States
Are field laboratory operator jobs in demand?
Field laboratory operator job and salary trends over time
Field laboratory operator jobs over time
Field laboratory operator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,373 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,511 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,565 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,559 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,536 | 0.00% |
Average field laboratory operator salary over time
Field laboratory operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $54,062 | $25.99 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $53,455 | $25.70 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $52,261 | $25.13 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $51,306 | $24.67 | +3.1% |
| 2021 | $49,743 | $23.92 | +2.6% |
Field laboratory operator jobs by state
Most common states for field laboratory operators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 284 | 41% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,318 | 34% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 197 | 27% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,593 | 26% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 184 | 24% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 236 | 22% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 135 | 22% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 288 | 21% |
| 9 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 174 | 20% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,678 | 19% |
| 11 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 223 | 17% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 181 | 17% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 100 | 17% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 885 | 16% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 487 | 15% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 422 | 14% |
| 17 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 195 | 14% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 137 | 14% |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 728 | 13% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 220 | 13% |
Most common cities for field laboratory operators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naperville | 1 | 1% | $49,585 |
Field Laboratory Operator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of field laboratory operator experts
Missouri University of Science and Technology
The University of New Hampshire's Central Science
Dr. Rainer Glaser
Professor and ChairMissouri University of Science and Technology
Chemistry Department
What skills stand out on Field Laboratory Operator resumes?
Dr. Rainer Glaser: Chemistry competence is key, of course. As a close second, chemists need to demonstrate effective team player competence. Communication skills are essential, in conversation and in writing. Effective collaboration requires highly developed skills to work with team members, peers, and leadership.
How do you envision technology impacting Field Laboratory Operators in the next 5 years?
Glen P. Miller: The chemistry field is constantly impacted by advancements in scientific instrumentation, hardware, and software, especially those that cut across adjacent fields like biology and materials science. Job seekers should be well-grounded in current technologies while aware of recent developments and trends.