What is a laboratory analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Betsy Smith,

Dr. Matthieu Rouffet Ph.D.

A laboratory analyst is an individual performs scientific tests and analyzes data in a laboratory environment. The role involves preparing samples, running experiments, and analyzing data to provide accurate results. Laboratory analysts may also be responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and documenting findings. The role requires a strong background in science, excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

What general advice would you give to a laboratory analyst?

Dr. Betsy Smith

Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College

I would advise students just graduating to be flexible and open-minded in their job search. Chemistry is a challenging major, and students who succeed in it have learned how to learn, so they shouldn't assume that pure chemistry is the only thing they can do. One growing field is biomedical research, and chemistry majors are often qualified for jobs in that area. If you have other strengths like writing, there are often jobs that can combine them as a technical writer or work for a science journal. There are jobs out there that might be perfect for you that you haven't heard of until you see an ad for it, so be open to different possibilities.

ScoreLaboratory AnalystUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $44,024

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.4

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.06%

Asian 10.42%

Black or African American 9.55%

Hispanic or Latino 16.88%

Unknown 6.01%

White 56.08%

Gender

female 51.75%

male 48.25%

Age - 35

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35

Stress level

6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a laboratory analyst?

Pros

Opportunities to work in a variety of industries
Opportunity to work with advanced technology and equipment
Chance to develop a deep understanding of scientific principles
Ability to contribute to scientific discoveries and advancements
Opportunities for continuing education and professional development

Cons

Exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals
Strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations can make work slow and cumbersome
Limited interaction with coworkers or customers outside of the lab setting
Work can be stressful when deadlines are approaching or when dealing with unexpected results or equipment failures
Constant attention to detail is required, which can be mentally exhausting.

Key steps to become a laboratory analyst

Explore laboratory analyst education requirements

Most common laboratory analyst degrees

Bachelor's

79.1 %

Associate

9.6 %

Master's

6.7 %

Start to develop specific laboratory analyst skills

Skills	Percentages
Test Methods	8.28%
Lab Equipment	7.01%
Lims	5.27%
Laboratory Procedures	5.26%
Sample Preparation	5.05%

Complete relevant laboratory analyst training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New laboratory analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a laboratory analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real laboratory analyst resumes.

Research laboratory analyst duties and 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 your laboratory analyst resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your laboratory analyst resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a laboratory analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable laboratory analyst resume templates

Build a professional laboratory analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your laboratory analyst resume.