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The differences between laboratory scientists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a laboratory scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a laboratory scientist has an average salary of $66,249, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.
The top three skills for a laboratory scientist include chemistry, ASCP and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $44,024 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $21.17 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 44,074 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A laboratory scientist specializes in conducting research and experiments for a company or an academic institution. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around gathering and labeling samples, documenting data and progress, reviewing results, and even maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory and its apparatus. There are also instances when they have to collaborate with other scientists, report progress, and even contribute them to different publications. Furthermore, a laboratory scientist may supervise less experienced colleagues, all while implementing the safety policies and regulations of the laboratory to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
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.
Laboratory scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $44,024 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $31,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | New York |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | AbbVie |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |