Microscopist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between microscopists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a microscopist and a laboratory analyst. Additionally, a microscopist has an average salary of $51,773, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a microscopist include chemistry, asbestos and electron microscope. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Microscopist vs laboratory analyst overview

	Microscopist	Laboratory Analyst
Yearly salary	$51,773	$44,024
Hourly rate	$24.89	$21.17
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	7,513	44,074
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 83%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

Microscopist vs laboratory analyst salary

Microscopists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Microscopist	Laboratory Analyst
Average salary	$51,773	$44,024
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $85,000	Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	-	New York, NY
Highest paying state	-	New York
Best paying company	-	AbbVie
Best paying industry	-	Pharmaceutical

Differences between microscopist and laboratory analyst education

There are a few differences between a microscopist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:

	Microscopist	Laboratory Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 83%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Microscopist vs laboratory analyst demographics

Here are the differences between microscopists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:

	Microscopist	Laboratory Analyst
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1%	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%	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%

Differences between microscopist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Microscopist example responsibilities.

Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
Design and perform research studies on particle chemistry.
Perform QC analysis for accuracy.
Quantify asbestos levels in air and building material samples for state and federal environmental remediation projects.
Prepare bulk asbestos samples, analyze samples utilizing polarize light microscopy with dispersion staining and enter sample results into data system.
Assist HAZWOPER technicians with logistical support for operations on project operations including research of facilities and vendors need for project completion.

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.

Microscopist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common microscopist skills

Chemistry, 32%
Asbestos, 20%
Electron Microscope, 10%
QC, 10%
Transmission Electron Microscopy, 6%
PLM, 4%

Common laboratory analyst skills

Test Methods, 8%
Lab Equipment, 7%
Lims, 5%
Laboratory Procedures, 5%
Sample Preparation, 5%
Analytical Methods, 4%

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Microscopist vs Laboratory Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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