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Scientific laboratory technician : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
  3. Entry requirements
  4. Training
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Case studies

  • Range of typical starting salaries for those with little or no experience: £14,000 to £19,000, usually depending on qualifications held on entry.
  • Salary range for technicians with some experience is £20,000-£25,000.
  • For experienced technicians in management/supervisory roles, salaries can be in excess of £40,000.
  • For those working in London, the London weighting allowance adds approximately £1,500-£2,500 to the basic salary.
  • Salaries are generally low, but with specialist experience, you may find higher rewards. Overtime or on-call payments may also be possible.
  • Higher salaries may be paid for management responsibilities.
  • Working hours are mainly nine to five, possibly with some additional hours. Working within the NHS may require shifts and on-call duties.
  • Work is almost exclusively in laboratories where protective clothing is worn, but there may be occasional trips out to collect or deliver specimens or to take measurements.
  • Following strict health and safety procedures is essential due to the presence and use of toxic chemicals and the requirement to handle animals in medical laboratories. Technicians can find themselves exposed to hazardous chemicals, dust, biological waste, bodily fluids, fumes and toxic waste, so there is often a degree of risk involved.
  • It is common for some degree of lifting and heavy work to be undertaken with the daily moving of equipment, machinery, samples and supplies.
  • Work is often carried out in teams.
  • Technicians are likely to be employed on a contract basis for the duration of a particular project or funding. Part-time work is uncommon. Career breaks are possible but not typical.
  • Freelance technical work, such as water and soil testing, may be possible but often requires expensive specialist equipment.
  • There is a fairly even gender split in this occupation.
  • Jobs are available throughout the UK as laboratories are sited in most towns and cities.
  • Work is largely predictable and, therefore, rarely affects social life.
  • Travel within a working day, absence from home at night and overseas work is generally uncommon, but may be required in some circumstances.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
September 2010
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