Laboratory analyst vs technician

The differences between laboratory analysts and technicians 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 technician. Additionally, a laboratory analyst has an average salary of $44,024, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for a laboratory analyst include test methods, lab equipment and lims. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Laboratory analyst vs technician overview

	Laboratory Analyst	Technician
Yearly salary	$44,024	$38,045
Hourly rate	$21.17	$18.29
Growth rate	9%	1%
Number of jobs	44,074	596,842
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age	38	40
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 technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Laboratory analyst vs technician salary

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

	Laboratory Analyst	Technician
Average salary	$44,024	$38,045
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $62,000	Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	New York	Hawaii
Best paying company	AbbVie	Microsoft
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Telecommunication

Differences between laboratory analyst and technician education

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

	Laboratory Analyst	Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common major	Biology	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	-

Laboratory analyst vs technician demographics

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

	Laboratory Analyst	Technician
Average age	38	40
Gender ratio	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%	Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	2%

Differences between laboratory analyst and technician 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.

Technician example responsibilities.

Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.

Laboratory analyst vs technician skills

Common laboratory analyst skills

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

Common technician skills

Patients, 16%
Customer Service, 14%
Patient Care, 8%
Hand Tools, 6%
Diagnosis, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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Laboratory Analyst
Laboratory Analyst vs Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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