Toxicologist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between toxicologists 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 toxicologist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a toxicologist has an average salary of $75,601, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a toxicologist include risk assessments, chemistry and product safety. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Toxicologist vs laboratory analyst overview

	Toxicologist	Laboratory Analyst
Yearly salary	$75,601	$44,024
Hourly rate	$36.35	$21.17
Growth rate	17%	9%
Number of jobs	21,835	44,074
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age	41	38
Years of experience	4	2

What does a toxicologist do?

A toxicologist specializes in studying toxic substances and how it affects living organisms such as humans and animals. They may work at learning institutions, private laboratories or businesses, medical facilities, and even government agencies. Although the extent of their duties varies on their place of employment, it typically includes conducting studies and scientific research, coordinating with fellow experts, gathering and processing samples through various laboratory procedures, maintaining records, and drawing conclusions based on the research findings.

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.

Toxicologist vs laboratory analyst salary

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

	Toxicologist	Laboratory Analyst
Average salary	$75,601	$44,024
Salary range	Between $46,000 And $124,000	Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	Paramus, NJ	New York, NY
Highest paying state	New Jersey	New York
Best paying company	Exxon Mobil	AbbVie
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Pharmaceutical

Differences between toxicologist and laboratory analyst education

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

	Toxicologist	Laboratory Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	University of Southern California	Stanford University

Toxicologist vs laboratory analyst demographics

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

	Toxicologist	Laboratory Analyst
Average age	41	38
Gender ratio	Male, 51.5% Female, 48.5%	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 23.3% White, 56.2% 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%

Differences between toxicologist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Toxicologist example responsibilities.

Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
Review in-house and contract toxicology studies on Monsanto products to ensure compliance with FDA and EPA regulations.
Evaluate, verify and certify patient results from multiple levels of testing; ELISA, LCMS, MSMS
Review and report both positive and negative initial drug screening data from the laboratory, and release results into the LIS.
Compile computer database of FDA regulatory compliance data.
Lead selection of CROs and qualification activities.

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.

Toxicologist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common toxicologist skills

Risk Assessments, 13%
Chemistry, 10%
Product Safety, 6%
FDA, 6%
Toxicology Studies, 5%
Safety Assessments, 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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Toxicologist vs Laboratory Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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