Laboratory technicians or assistants work with scientists in different types of labs, such as chemical, medical or educational. Areas they work in include diagnosing diseases and developing new products.
You could be:
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
Starting salaries for laboratory technicians range from £17,000 to £20,000 a year. With experience salaries can rise to £20,000 to £30,000 and some specialist technicians and lab managers can earn £40,000 or more.
In NHS labs, healthcare science support workers on the Agenda for Change pay scales start around Band 2, £24,647 to £26,763 a year. With experience they can work their way up to Band 3, £26,869 to £28,998 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2024.
Workforce Employment Status
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You can enter at various levels, depending on the employer. Some employers might still consider school leavers with some subjects at National 4 or 5, or equivalent including science subjects. Usually they ask for more qualifications.
You could work in a wide variety of labs, including but not limited to, food and drink, forensic, hospital, local authority, manufacturing company, oil and gas, paint, plastics, research institution, or school, college or university.
Workforce Education Levels (UK)
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Employment
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You should be:
Courtesy of NHS Health Careers
The following organisations may be able to provide further information.
Association for Science Education (ASE)
Tel: 01707 283000
E-mail:
info@ase.org.uk
Website:
http://www.ase.org.uk
Twitter:
@theASE
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AssociationforScienceEducation
Cogent
Tel: 01925 515200
E-mail:
info@cogentskills.com
Website:
http://www.cogentskills.com
Twitter:
@cogent_skills
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CogentSkills
Cogent is the Sector Skills Council for the science industries.