Analytical lab technicians work in a variety of scientific disciplines.
Analytical lab technicians work under scientists in a variety of disciplines. These technicians perform and monitor the tests needed to aid research and development in their fields, including the chemical, geological and petroleum, nuclear and forensic sciences. These positions usually require some post-secondary education in the applied sciences. Technicians working in the health care industry are typically referred to as medical or clinical laboratory technicians and fall under a separate category of laboratory workers.
Chemical
Chemical laboratory technicians work with chemical scientists in the analysis of gaseous, liquid and solid materials. Some work in experimental laboratories conducting research, while others work in the manufacturing or other industries analyzing process control. The industries with the highest levels of employment in this field are the architectural and engineering industries, followed by scientific research and development and the pharmaceutical industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2010, the annual median salary for a chemical lab technician was $42,040, with the Allentown, Pennsylvania, area paying the highest median salary, at $67,130 per year, and Fargo, North Dakota, paying the lowest, at $21,980.
Geological and Petroleum
Geological and petroleum lab technicians are most often employed in the oil and gas industries, followed by the mining, architectural and engineering, and petroleum and coal products manufacturing industries. These technicians aid scientists in searching for metallic ore, gas, petroleum, minerals or coal deposits. They may collect data from wells or analyze drill and mud cuttings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2010, the median annual wage of a geological and petroleum lab technician was $54,020, with the Las Vegas, Nevada, area paying among the highest salaries, at $98,960, and Salt Lake City, Utah, paying among the lowest, at $34,950.
Nuclear
Nuclear lab technicians aid nuclear scientists and physicists in operating, maintaining and monitoring quality control for nuclear testing and research. They often work with remote-controlled equipment, handle radioactive material and assess radiation levels. The industries that employ the most nuclear lab technicians are the electric power generation industry and scientific research and development. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2010, the median annual wage for a nuclear lab technician was $68,090, with the Memphis, Tennessee, area paying the highest annual mean wage, at $98,490, and Baltimore, Maryland, paying among the lowest at $54,810.
Forensic
Forensic science lab technicians work with forensic scientists to collect and analyze physical evidence found at crime scenes. They often examine DNA and firearm residue, hair, glass, and body tissues and fluids. They prepare reports of their findings and often testify as expert witnesses. Most forensic lab technicians are employed by state or local government, or medical and diagnostic laboratories. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2010, the annual median wage of a forensic lab technician was $51,570, with the Washington, D.C., area paying the highest, at $85,390, and Boise, Idaho, paying among the lowest, at $47,120.
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