Laboratory analyst vs systems analyst

The differences between laboratory analysts and systems analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a laboratory analyst, becoming a systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems analyst has an average salary of $75,383, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a laboratory analyst include test methods, lab equipment and lims. The most important skills for a systems analyst are customer service, project management, and troubleshoot.

Laboratory analyst vs systems analyst overview

	Laboratory Analyst	Systems Analyst
Yearly salary	$44,024	$75,383
Hourly rate	$21.17	$36.24
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	44,074	141,289
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	38	43
Years of experience	2	6

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 systems analyst do?

A systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.

Laboratory analyst vs systems analyst salary

Laboratory analysts and systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Laboratory Analyst	Systems Analyst
Average salary	$44,024	$75,383
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $62,000	Between $58,000 And $96,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	New York	California
Best paying company	AbbVie	The Citadel
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Finance

Differences between laboratory analyst and systems analyst education

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

	Laboratory Analyst	Systems Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Biology	Computer Science
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Laboratory analyst vs systems analyst demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory analysts' and systems analysts' demographics:

	Laboratory Analyst	Systems Analyst
Average age	38	43
Gender ratio	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%	Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%
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, 10.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between laboratory analyst and systems analyst 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.

Systems analyst example responsibilities.

Manage AS400 operations teams and provide training / end-user support as scheduled.
Lead a team of two developers who create various GUI report parameter screens and associate reports.
Write scripts (shell, Perl, AutoIt) to automate administrative tasks, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery operations.
Manage ticket resolution of 250/300 per month, within SLA and root cause analysis and defects tie back to development.
Design and build radiology information systems, as well as led multiple conversions and create documentation to support technology and workflow.
Manage and implement VMware infrastructure.

Laboratory analyst vs systems analyst skills

Common laboratory analyst skills

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

Common systems analyst skills

Customer Service, 8%
Project Management, 5%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Java, 4%
C++, 4%
C #, 4%

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Laboratory Analyst vs Systems Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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