Laboratory Analyst
Also advertised as: Analytical Chemist (entry level), Lab Analyst, Laboratory Analyst, Quality Control Analyst, Testing Technician
Carries out tests and analysis on samples to support research or quality standards.
What the job involves
Laboratory analysts run tests on samples such as food, water, pharmaceuticals or environmental materials, following strict procedures to produce accurate, traceable results. You calibrate equipment, record data precisely and flag anything outside expected parameters. The role requires care and consistency because results can affect safety decisions.
Typical responsibilities
- Prepare and test samples following standard procedures
- Record and analyse test results accurately
- Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment
- Follow health and safety and quality standards
- Report findings to senior scientists
Common employers
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Food testing laboratories
- Water companies
- Environmental testing labs
- Universities
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£21,000 – £26,000 a year
With experience
£28,000 – £36,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 hours, may include shift work in some sectors
Working environment
Laboratory, following safety protocols
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Laboratory technique
- Data recording
- Attention to detail
- Health and safety compliance
- Basic statistics
Transferable skills you may already have
- Science coursework or lab experience
- Following precise procedures
- Numeracy
Requirements employers ask for
- Laboratory technique
- Data recording
- Attention to detail
- Health and safety compliance
- Basic statistics
- A-levels in a science subject or equivalent
- BTEC or degree in a relevant science
Useful but not essential
- Science coursework or lab experience
- Following precise procedures
- Numeracy
- Degree in chemistry, biology or a related science
- HNC/HND in applied science
Helpful qualifications
- Degree in chemistry, biology or a related science
- HNC/HND in applied science
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Laboratory Scientist (Level 5)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Chemistry
- Related subject: Biology
- Related subject: Applied science
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Laboratory Analyst
next
Quality Control Manager
next
Research Scientist
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Direct route into scientific careers without a full degree
- Precise, methodical work suits detail-oriented people
- Transferable across many industries
What people find hard
- Repetitive testing procedures
- Strict protocols leave little room for creativity
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a laboratory analyst?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. preferred
- How much does a laboratory analyst earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £21,000 to £26,000 a year, rising towards £36,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Science coursework or lab experience, Following precise procedures, Numeracy.
Related careers
Research Assistant
Supports researchers with data collection, literature review and administration of studies.
Laboratory Technician
Prepares, runs and records scientific tests and keeps the laboratory working correctly.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
Read how our career data is built and reviewed, or tell us if something here is wrong.