Forensic chemist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between forensic chemists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forensic chemist has an average salary of $56,597, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a forensic chemist include ms, GC and laboratory equipment. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Forensic chemist vs laboratory analyst overview

	Forensic Chemist	Laboratory Analyst
Yearly salary	$56,597	$44,024
Hourly rate	$27.21	$21.17
Growth rate	6%	9%
Number of jobs	7,902	44,074
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 82%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age	42	38
Years of experience	-	2

What does a forensic chemist do?

A forensic chemist analyzes non-biological trace evidence at crime scenes for the determination of unknown materials. Forensic chemists apply chemistry and its subfield forensic toxicology and employ the scientific method to investigate the presented evidence. The result of their analysis provides investigators and medical examiners the necessary information for logical conclusions on probable crimes. Patience and versatility are often cited as the important qualities forensic chemists need to acquire.

What does a laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

Forensic chemist vs laboratory analyst salary

Forensic chemists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Forensic Chemist	Laboratory Analyst
Average salary	$56,597	$44,024
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $80,000	Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	-	New York, NY
Highest paying state	-	New York
Best paying company	-	AbbVie
Best paying industry	-	Pharmaceutical

Differences between forensic chemist and laboratory analyst education

There are a few differences between a forensic chemist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:

	Forensic Chemist	Laboratory Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 82%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common major	Chemistry	Biology
Most common college	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	Stanford University

Forensic chemist vs laboratory analyst demographics

Here are the differences between forensic chemists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:

	Forensic Chemist	Laboratory Analyst
Average age	42	38
Gender ratio	Male, 40.6% Female, 59.4%	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.2% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	8%

Differences between forensic chemist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Forensic chemist example responsibilities.

Achieve and maintain ISO 9001-2000 certification by creating and implementing policies and serving as management representative.
Input data results using a LIMS information system.
Analyze controlled substances by GC/MS and FTIR and arson residues by GC/FID.
Start to implement procedures for ISO 9000quality certification.
Update existing and develop new standard operating procedures to meet USP requirements for vitamin assays.
Perform quality testing in an FDA enforce environment for a variety of products while demonstrating good manufacturing practices.

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.

Forensic chemist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common forensic chemist skills

Ms, 12%
GC, 9%
Laboratory Equipment, 6%
FTIR, 6%
Gas Chromatography, 5%
Liquid Chromatography, 4%

Common laboratory analyst skills

Test Methods, 8%
Lab Equipment, 7%
Lims, 5%
Laboratory Procedures, 5%
Sample Preparation, 5%
Analytical Methods, 4%

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Forensic Chemist vs Laboratory Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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