Laboratory technicians

£28,157

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2022 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

40 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2022 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

2.68%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Laboratory technicians

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 3111

Laboratory technicians carry out routine laboratory tests and checks and perform a variety of technical support functions requiring the application of established or prescribed procedures and techniques to assist scientists with their research, development, analysis and testing, and to verify the physical, chemical and other characteristics of materials and products.

Common tasks include:

sets up and assists with the construction and the development of scientific apparatus for experimental, demonstration or other purposes
prepares organic and inorganic material for examination and stains and fixes slides for microscope work
operates and services specialised scientific equipment, undertakes prescribed measurements and analyses and ensures that sterile conditions necessary for some equipment are maintained
records and collates data obtained from experimental work and documents all work carried out
maintains and rotates stock and supplies
disposes of chemical and biological waste safely
keeps up to date with new technical developments

Qualifications

Entry varies from employer to employer. Entrants usually possess a degree, although entry is also possible with A-Levels, GCSEs/S grades, an appropriate BTEC/SQA award or HNC/HND. Professional qualifications, NVQs/SVQs at various levels, and apprenticeships are available in some areas of work. Good eyesight, and in some cases, normal colour vision are also required.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Laboratory technicians

Regional employment: Laboratory technicians

Future employment: Laboratory technicians

Top 12 industries: Laboratory technicians

Alternative & related job titles: Laboratory technicians

Assistant scientist (laboratory) Associate practitioner (laboratory) Cytoscreener Hospital technician Laboratory technician Scientific technician

Equality focus: Laboratory technicians

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.