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What is a laboratory tester and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a laboratory tester. For example, did you know that they make an average of $20.88 an hour? That's $43,422 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 2,700 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreLaboratory TesterUS Average
Salary
3.4

Avg. Salary $43,422

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.9

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 7.65%

Black or African American 9.36%

Hispanic or Latino 17.44%

Unknown 4.34%

White 60.78%

Gender

female 37.83%

male 62.17%

Age - 44
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 - 44
Stress level
6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a laboratory tester

  1. Explore laboratory tester education requirements

    Most common laboratory tester degrees

    Bachelor's

    41.5 %

    Associate

    21.1 %

    High School Diploma

    19.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific laboratory tester skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Lab Equipment35.16%
    Test Data11.02%
    ASTM8.31%
    Lims5.44%
    Distillation5.07%
  3. Complete relevant laboratory tester training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New laboratory testers 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 tester based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real laboratory tester resumes.
  4. Research laboratory tester duties and responsibilities

    • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
    • Execute extensive data and functionality-driven regression testing, develop test-data in accordance with altering client requests and changes to industry regulations.
    • Used PC to calculate and enter results into the labs information management system.
    • Perform routine specimen processing, analysis and resulting of hematology, microbiology, chemistry, urinalysis, serology and blood samples.
  5. Prepare your laboratory tester resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your laboratory tester resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a laboratory tester resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable laboratory tester resume templates

    Build a professional laboratory tester resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your laboratory tester resume.
    Laboratory Tester Resume
    Laboratory Tester Resume
    Laboratory Tester Resume
    Laboratory Tester Resume
    Laboratory Tester Resume
    Laboratory Tester Resume
    Laboratory Tester Resume
    Laboratory Tester Resume
    Laboratory Tester Resume
  6. Apply for laboratory tester jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a laboratory tester job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first laboratory tester job

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Average laboratory tester salary

The average laboratory tester salary in the United States is $43,422 per year or $21 per hour. Laboratory tester salaries range between $31,000 and $59,000 per year.

Average laboratory tester salary
$43,422 Yearly
$20.88 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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