What is a laboratory scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Betsy Smith

A laboratory scientist is an individual who works in a laboratory environment and conducts scientific experiments and analyzes. They work with various types of equipment and instruments to analyze samples and data, often in fields such as biology, chemistry, or medicine. Laboratory scientists are responsible for carrying out experiments, collecting data, and analyzing and interpreting results. They also troubleshoot issues that arise during experiments and ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and calibrated.

What general advice would you give to a laboratory scientist?

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 ScientistUS Average

Salary

5.2

Avg. Salary $66,249

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 26.25%

Black or African American 6.52%

Hispanic or Latino 9.79%

Unknown 4.15%

White 53.14%

Gender

female 51.00%

male 49.00%

Age - 39

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 - 39

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

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

Pros

Opportunity to make significant scientific contributions
Variety in daily work activities
Intellectual challenge and problem-solving
Potential for job stability and security
Opportunities for career advancement

Cons

Risk of exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals
Long periods of standing and repetitive hand motions
High levels of stress and pressure to meet deadlines
Limited opportunities for creativity and independent thought
High education and training requirements

Key steps to become a laboratory scientist

Explore laboratory scientist education requirements

Most common laboratory scientist degrees

Bachelor's

74.0 %

Master's

11.6 %

Associate

6.0 %

Start to develop specific laboratory scientist skills

Skills	Percentages
Chemistry	9.19%
ASCP	9.15%
Laboratory Procedures	7.09%
Test Results	6.04%
Data Collection	4.65%

Complete relevant laboratory scientist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New laboratory scientists 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 scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real laboratory scientist resumes.

Research laboratory scientist duties and responsibilities

Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
Perform tests in all sections of the clinical laboratory including chemistry, hematology and microbiology.
Assure compliance with OSHA, PROSHA, EPA, USP and GMP's as well as corporate policies.
Acquire basic knowledge of GC/MS and LC/MS

Prepare your laboratory scientist resume

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