How to hire a laboratory analyst

How to hire a laboratory analyst, step by step

Here's a step-by-step laboratory analyst hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a laboratory analyst job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new laboratory analyst
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a laboratory analyst do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your laboratory analyst job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a laboratory analyst for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A laboratory analyst's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, laboratory analysts from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of laboratory analysts and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Laboratory Analyst	Description	Hourly rate
   Laboratory Analyst	Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health. In addition, they work to ensure that environmental violations are prevented.	$14-29
   Chemical Technician	A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory... Show more	$14-27
   Chemist	Chemists are generally responsible for observing and investigating chemical substances to create new and safe compounds essential for practical applications. They are often grouped depending on a particular area of specialization to focus and understand the complexities of the matter... Show more	$22-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Test Methods
   • Lab Equipment
   • Lims
   • Laboratory Procedures
   • Sample Preparation
   • Analytical Methods
   • Test Results
   • HPLC
   • GMP
   • ISO
   • GLP
   • AA
   • Microbiological
   • PH Meter

   Check all skills

   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.

   More laboratory analyst duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the laboratory analyst job description is a good way to get more applicants. A laboratory analyst salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a laboratory analyst in Nebraska may be lower than in New York, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level laboratory analyst. Additionally, a laboratory analyst with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average laboratory analyst salary

   $44,024yearly

   $21.17 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level laboratory analyst salary

   $31,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 22, 2026

   Average laboratory analyst salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$55,616	$27
   2	Massachusetts	$53,291	$26
   3	Hawaii	$51,771	$25
   4	Virginia	$49,708	$24
   5	Maryland	$48,851	$23
   6	California	$47,963	$23
   7	Minnesota	$46,091	$22
   8	New Jersey	$45,615	$22
   9	Nevada	$44,034	$21
   10	Texas	$44,002	$21
   11	Ohio	$42,535	$20
   12	Washington	$41,846	$20
   13	Michigan	$41,702	$20
   14	Louisiana	$40,993	$20
   15	Missouri	$40,727	$20
   16	Idaho	$40,222	$19
   17	Iowa	$40,096	$19
   18	Colorado	$39,239	$19
   19	Florida	$38,289	$18
   20	Nebraska	$37,087	$18

   Average laboratory analyst salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	AbbVie	$67,604	$32.50	13
   2	Gillette	$63,189	$30.38
   3	Zoetis	$61,042	$29.35	13
   4	Pfizer	$57,839	$27.81	4
   5	Bayer	$57,577	$27.68	2
   6	Anheuser-Busch	$57,474	$27.63	4
   7	Airgas	$56,904	$27.36	5
   8	Aequor Technologies	$56,810	$27.31	1
   9	Evonik	$56,673	$27.25	4
   10	Eastman	$55,959	$26.90	4
   11	Jacobs Engineering Group	$54,823	$26.36
   12	Citi	$52,039	$25.02	2
   13	University of Massachusetts Medical School	$50,594	$24.32	8
   14	Under Armour	$50,548	$24.30	1
   15	DuPont	$50,317	$24.19	2
   16	Estée Lauder	$49,732	$23.91	32
   17	Koch Industries	$49,044	$23.58	18
   18	Renewable Energy Group	$48,468	$23.30
   19	ATI Physical Therapy	$48,434	$23.29	2
   20	Threshold Enterprises	$48,035	$23.09	1

4. Writing a laboratory analyst job description

   A laboratory analyst job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a laboratory analyst job description:

   Laboratory analyst job description example

   Our People & Places Solutions business - reinforces our drive to improve the lives of people everywhere and epitomizes the "why" of what we do - the tremendous positive impact and value our solutions bring to our communities and society as a whole. From facilities delivering life-saving therapies and ensuring clean water to enabling the connection of people through all modes of transportation and providing access to technology - we're integrating a multitude of these solution elements to build the smart environments of tomorrow.
   
   Start your Jacobs career with a company that inspires and empowers you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed - today and into tomorrow.
   Your Impact:
   
   At Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted, so we can shape innovative and lasting solutions for tomorrow. Through the delivery of our operations and maintenance services, you'll make it simpler and more seamless for our municipal clients to operate safely and efficiently, empowering communities to focus on what matters most to them - people.
   
   As a Laboratory Analyst, you'll join a collaborative team ensuring that our clients can deliver their services - uninterrupted. Based in Spokane, WA, you'll assist laboratory staff in the collection and analysis of wastewater influent / effluent, solids and other process samples. You'll assist staff in performing a variety of chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological tests. You'll use laboratory equipment and materials and perform routine computations and maintain records. You'll be able to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, while establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with those contacted during work. You'll assist in keeping laboratory records and prepare laboratory reports. You will assist with the Industrial Pretreatment Program by performing annual inspections and sampling.
   
   You'll maintain a comprehensive quality assurance program based on the established guidelines while operating a variety of laboratory equipment including pH meters, balances, furnaces, autoclaves, incubators, and calculators. You'll contribute to the success of our project by helping maintain, clean and care for laboratory equipment and material. Most importantly, you'll do your part to take action ensuring the safety, health and well-being of you and your team and be a team player and be willing to perform other duties as required.
   
   Bring your team-focus, adaptability, and commitment to excellence, and we'll help you grow what drives you - and deliver the world's most challenging Operations Management projects, together.
   
   Here's What You'll Need:
   
   * High school diploma or GED
   * Possess a valid driver's license
   
   Ideally, You'll Also Have:
   
   * One year of experience with knowledge of the principles of chemistry, biology, and related experiences; procedures and materials used in chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological tests and analyses; laboratory safety and equipment and material care and maintenance
   * Knowledge of the principles and methods of biological and chemical analysis of wastewater; safe work practices
   * Proficient in the use of computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and to enter data into a database management system
   
   Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
   
   The work area can involve a working environment indoors as well as outdoors, which could cause exposure to outdoor elements; proper environmental attire will be required. Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles, noxious gases, pathogens and various chemicals. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.
   
   Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, twist and bend at the waist, turn, kneel, squat, raise arms above shoulder height, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination when preparing reports and using a computer keyboard, have vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents and operate office equipment; must be able to judge color end-point changes (not be color blind), have hearing in the normal range with or without correction and able to hear timers ring. Must be free of respiratory problems of a nature that could be aggravated by exposure to chemical fumes found in a laboratory environment. In an 8-hour shift must be able to transport self across the facility, ascend and descend stair steps, lift objects up to 45 pounds from floor level to waist height, wear and use appropriate safety equipment.
   
   Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.
   
   At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $13 billion in revenue and a talent force of more than 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right laboratory analyst for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with laboratory analysts they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit laboratory analysts who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your laboratory analyst job on Zippia to find and recruit laboratory analyst candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with laboratory analyst candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new laboratory analyst

   Once you have selected a candidate for the laboratory analyst position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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