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The differences between formulation scientists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a formulation scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a formulation scientist has an average salary of $90,067, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.
The top three skills for a formulation scientist include dosage forms, scale-up and GMP. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.
| Formulation Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $90,067 | $44,024 |
| Hourly rate | $43.30 | $21.17 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 45,763 | 44,074 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A formulation scientist specializes in conducting different scientific experiments to create new products and enhance existing formulations. They usually work at laboratories to establish plans and objectives, conduct extensive research and analyses to design and develop a formula, create test structures to evaluate products, and set strategies to meet budgets, goals, and timelines. They also assess existing products to determine their weaknesses and strengths, developing solutions against potential issues and existing problems. Additionally, a formulation scientist maintains records of all procedures and implements protocols and safety regulations.
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 scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Formulation Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average salary | $90,067 | $44,024 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $126,000 | Between $31,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | BioMarin | AbbVie |
| Best paying industry | Agriculture | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a formulation scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:
| Formulation Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Pharmacy | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between formulation scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:
| Formulation Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.6% Female, 38.4% | Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 32.9% White, 47.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 8% | 8% |