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The differences between lead 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 lead scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a lead scientist has an average salary of $110,028, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.
The top three skills for a lead scientist include C++, java and data analysis. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.
| Lead Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $110,028 | $44,024 |
| Hourly rate | $52.90 | $21.17 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 49,455 | 44,074 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A lead scientist is primarily in charge of leading the efforts in conducting scientific studies within a particular program or project. Their responsibilities revolve around setting goals and objectives, delegating tasks, establishing guidelines, and overseeing the progress and performance of other scientists and workers in a laboratory. They may also liaise with clients and external parties, including the media. Furthermore, as a lead scientist, it is essential to encourage the team to reach goals, all while implementing the laboratory's safety policies and regulations 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.
Lead scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average salary | $110,028 | $44,024 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $153,000 | Between $31,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Cruz, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Tennessee | New York |
| Best paying company | PayPal | AbbVie |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a lead scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:
| Lead Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between lead scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:
| Lead Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.9% Female, 29.1% | Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% 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% |