What Is a Lab Technician?
Lab technicians utilize their extensive training to facilitate and oversee experiments relating to varying subjects in manufacturing and industrial fields. Generally, they record and interpret data, test materials through manual, automated and chemical procedures, test product reliability, and compose compounds.
Practicing common methods used during lab procedures are essential to the lab technician’s duties, as they must produce detailed, error-free findings after a project. In addition to their primary job of operating complicated equipment used in labs, they must be proficient in chemistry and math. Records pertaining to lab inventory such as chemicals, compounds, consumables and solvents must be recorded in a manner consistent with lab protocol.
Additional duties include price negotiation, requesting new shipments and general lab maintenance. Ultimately, the job description depends on the field in which the technician works, which can range from pharmaceutical to environmental.
How to Become a Lab Technician
Most lab technicians hold bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, though some may hold degrees in engineering. Graduates who wish to enter the profession should possess a thorough understanding of chemical properties and reactions, and the typical chemical and physical changes that occur during lab experiments.
Courses required of chemistry majors include general chemistry, inorganic chemistry, principles of modern chemistry, analytical chemistry, as well as prerequisites such as calculus and physics. Of course, several of those classes will take place in labs, giving students the hands-on technological experience they’ll need for their desired professions.
Internships and work experience are always helpful, as they serve to give aspiring lab technicians a foot in the door. Those who want more responsibility, such as supervisory positions, should accumulate experience and consider graduate level education to supplement their existing skills and knowledge.
Lab Technician Career Outlook & Salary
Job growth for science technicians in general is expected to match the national average for all professions, but the outlook varies for specific occupations in the field. Specifically, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 12% growth is expected from 2008 to 2018.
The growth of scientific and medical research and the corresponding need for more testing, along with the production and development of new chemically-related products will be responsible for the increase in jobs. Those who are well-trained with lab equipment will experience particularly strong outlooks due to the changing technologies that are incorporated into lab processes, altering the pace and scope at which technicians operate.
On average, a lab technician earns a starting salary of $32,000 per year, eventually averaging $42,000 per year during their career. Of course, added knowledge and skills gained through education and work result in a higher-than-average salary.
