Laboratory analyst vs laboratory research assistant

The differences between laboratory analysts and laboratory research assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a laboratory analyst and a laboratory research assistant. Additionally, a laboratory analyst has an average salary of $44,024, which is higher than the $36,537 average annual salary of a laboratory research assistant.

The top three skills for a laboratory analyst include test methods, lab equipment and lims. The most important skills for a laboratory research assistant are data collection, patients, and laboratory equipment.

Laboratory analyst vs laboratory research assistant overview

	Laboratory Analyst	Laboratory Research Assistant
Yearly salary	$44,024	$36,537
Hourly rate	$21.17	$17.57
Growth rate	9%	17%
Number of jobs	44,074	87,343
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

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.

What does a laboratory research assistant do?

A laboratory research assistant is an individual who performs lab experiments and carries out projects designed by senior lab staff members. Laboratory research assistants design and conduct experiments using biohazards and other dangerous materials to gain information and test scientific processes. They must write detailed reports of their research and experiments and then deliver these reports in written and verbal forms. Laboratory research assistants may also work in different settings such as medical facilities and pharmaceutical companies.

Laboratory analyst vs laboratory research assistant salary

Laboratory analysts and laboratory research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Laboratory Analyst	Laboratory Research Assistant
Average salary	$44,024	$36,537
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $62,000	Between $24,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	New York	Massachusetts
Best paying company	AbbVie	New York University
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Education

Differences between laboratory analyst and laboratory research assistant education

There are a few differences between a laboratory analyst and a laboratory research assistant in terms of educational background:

	Laboratory Analyst	Laboratory Research Assistant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Stanford University	Harvard University

Laboratory analyst vs laboratory research assistant demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory analysts' and laboratory research assistants' demographics:

	Laboratory Analyst	Laboratory Research Assistant
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%	Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.6% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between laboratory analyst and laboratory research assistant duties and responsibilities

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.

Laboratory research assistant example responsibilities.

Manage participant records according to IRB guidelines to ensure confidentiality.
Lead experiments to assess survivor behavior differences in zebrafish contaminate with dietary mercury.
Maintain microbial culture and isolate and purify bacterial and viral DNA and RNA to study the genome of common pathogenic bacteria.
Perform protein extraction on larvae.
Perform biological assays, including ELISA and RT-PCR.
Gain extensive MLST, RT-PCR, conventional PCR, primer design and gel-electrophoresis experience.

Laboratory analyst vs laboratory research assistant skills

Common laboratory analyst skills

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

Common laboratory research assistant skills

Data Collection, 5%
Patients, 5%
Laboratory Equipment, 5%
Lab Procedures, 5%
Laboratory Techniques, 5%
Molecular Biology, 4%

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Laboratory Analyst vs Laboratory Research Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

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