Molecular biologist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between molecular biologists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a molecular biologist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Molecular biologist vs laboratory analyst overview

	Molecular Biologist	Laboratory Analyst
Yearly salary	$73,763	$44,024
Hourly rate	$35.46	$21.17
Growth rate	17%	9%
Number of jobs	22,019	44,074
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age	40	38
Years of experience	8	2

What does a molecular biologist do?

A molecular biologist is a specialist who explores and studies the complex functions of cells on a molecular level as well as the biological laws governing the operations of each cellular component. To conduct research and academic activities, molecular biologists use equipment such as microscopes, lab centrifuges, and computers with software that allows the analysis of obtained data. They are required to develop a new way to test the validity of drugs that are used to stimulate safe gene growth and fight off disease. Molecular biologists must also conduct workshops and practical demonstrations in universities and governmental agencies.

What does a laboratory analyst do?

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.

Molecular biologist vs laboratory analyst salary

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

	Molecular Biologist	Laboratory Analyst
Average salary	$73,763	$44,024
Salary range	Between $52,000 And $104,000	Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	Urban Honolulu, HI	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Hawaii	New York
Best paying company	Novartis	AbbVie
Best paying industry	Health Care	Pharmaceutical

Differences between molecular biologist and laboratory analyst education

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

	Molecular Biologist	Laboratory Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	Stanford University

Molecular biologist vs laboratory analyst demographics

Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:

	Molecular Biologist	Laboratory Analyst
Average age	40	38
Gender ratio	Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1%	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	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	10%	8%

Differences between molecular biologist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Molecular biologist example responsibilities.

Provide oversight for FDA inspections.
Present results in monthly HTS and data meeting.
Perform instrument, primers and reagent validations utilize in RT-PCR.
Develop and perform assays for testing samples using ELISA and PCR technology.
Used molecular techniques such as RNA and DNA isolation, RT-PCR, and qPCR.
Play a lead role in developing, optimizing and validating ELISA and ELISA microarrays.

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.

Molecular biologist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common molecular biologist skills

CRISPR, 8%
Next-Generation Sequencing, 7%
Cell Culture, 6%
Lab Equipment, 6%
Molecular Biology Techniques, 5%
Extraction, 5%

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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Molecular Biologist
Molecular Biologist vs Laboratory Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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