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Formulation chemist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between formulation chemists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a formulation chemist has an average salary of $66,678, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a formulation chemist include scale-up, R and product development. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Formulation chemist vs laboratory analyst overview

Formulation ChemistLaboratory Analyst
Yearly salary$66,678$44,024
Hourly rate$32.06$21.17
Growth rate6%9%
Number of jobs3,01144,074
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4238
Years of experience-2

What does a formulation chemist do?

A formulation chemist is responsible for generating new concepts for product development that adhere to quality standards and safety regulations. Formulation chemists identify product opportunities by analyzing the current industry trends, developing cost-reduction initiatives, and determining efficient formulations through in-depth research and laboratory experiments. They write formulation reports and product processing, collaborating with the marketing and sales team for brand promotion and awareness. A formulation chemist must have a critical understanding of scientific methods, including chemical mixing, to achieve desired outputs.

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.

Formulation chemist vs laboratory analyst salary

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

Formulation ChemistLaboratory Analyst
Average salary$66,678$44,024
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $94,000Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityFrederick, MDNew York, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying companyAppleAbbVie
Best paying industryManufacturingPharmaceutical

Differences between formulation chemist and laboratory analyst education

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

Formulation ChemistLaboratory Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaStanford University

Formulation chemist vs laboratory analyst demographics

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

Formulation ChemistLaboratory Analyst
Average age4238
Gender ratioMale, 60.6% Female, 39.4%Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.6% White, 59.3% 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 Percentage5%8%

Differences between formulation chemist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Formulation chemist example responsibilities.

  • Utilize Citrix LIMS to register, manage, enter and release sample results for supervisor review.
  • Provide key data in GLP testing of in-house samples using GC, AA, and UV-Vis.
  • Follow ASTM procedures and criteria for analyzing products.
  • Create internal sensory training according to the ASTM method.
  • Help to aid the plant in becoming compliant with EPA standards.
  • Perform analysis of pharmaceutical drug products in compliance cGMP and GLP procedures.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Formulation chemist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common formulation chemist skills
  • Scale-Up, 8%
  • R, 7%
  • Product Development, 6%
  • Lab Notebook, 6%
  • Formulation Development, 5%
  • QC, 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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