Laboratory technicians
£27,114
Average salary
34 hours
Average weekly hours
2.53%
Unemployment rate
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 and analyses body fluids, secretions and/or tissue to detect infections or to examine the effects of different drugs;
- grows cultures of bacteria and viruses, prepares tissue sections and other 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.
Qualifications
Entry varies from employer to employer. Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades, an appropriate BTEC/SQA award or a GNVQ/GSVQ. 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
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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.
Breakdown by gender
£25,550
Female average annual salary
£28,157
Male average annual salary
34
Female average weekly hours
34
Male average weekly hours
Average pay per hour: Laboratory technicians
Workforce gender: Laboratory technicians
Breakdown by region
£34,936
North West (England) - highest annual average salary
£22,421
North East (England) - lowest annual average salary
37
Yorkshire and the Humber - Highest average weekly hours
32
London - Lowest average weekly hours
Average pay per week (£): Laboratory technicians
Average weekly hours by UK region/nation: Laboratory technicians
Breakdown by age
20 years
Lowest annual salary (£13,557)
53 years
Highest annual salary (£31,807) at this age