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The differences between laboratory scientists and laboratory managers 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 manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a laboratory manager has an average salary of $74,314, which is higher than the $66,249 average annual salary of a laboratory scientist.
The top three skills for a laboratory scientist include chemistry, ASCP and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for a laboratory manager are lab equipment, patients, and customer service.
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $74,314 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $35.73 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 43,321 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 41 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
Laboratory managers provide accurate laboratory diagnosis through evaluating specimen procedures and coordinating with pathologists to validate laboratory findings. They are responsible for maintaining laboratory tools and equipment, ensuring the proper sterilization of instruments before and after use, organizing equipment based on its function, and immediately repairing or replacing defective items. A laboratory manager also secures the confidentiality of laboratory systems, keeping records of results, and releasing information to the appropriate personnel. Laboratory managers must have a broad knowledge of the scientific industry, as well as excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills.
Laboratory scientists and laboratory managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Manager | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $74,314 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $49,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and a laboratory manager in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and laboratory managers' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Manager | |
| Average age | 41 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 58.4% Female, 41.6% |
| 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, 3.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 9.0% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |