Laboratory technician
Lab technician
Laboratory technicians support scientists and help carry out tests, research and investigations.
Salary range: £15,000 to £30,000
How to become a laboratory technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course in:
- biology
- chemistry
- physics
- forensic science
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels or equivalent
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
College
You could take a college course, like a Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science to help improve your chances of finding work.
Chemistry, Physics and Biology A levels are also useful.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More information
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship as a laboratory technician.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
More information
More information
Career tips
Experience in a lab can help when looking for work. You can get this by:
- doing a year in industry as part of your degree
- applying for part-time work in a laboratory whilst studying
Professional and industry bodies
You can join a professional body relevent to your area of work for career development and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a laboratory technician from the Science Council and Health Careers.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- knowledge of biology
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- administration skills
- maths knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks could include:
- setting up experiments and investigations
- carrying out risk assessments
- collecting and analysing samples
- preparing solutions, cultures or specimens
- recording and presenting data
- ordering and controlling stock
- disposing of chemicals and waste products safely
- cleaning and maintaining equipment
Working environment
You could work in a laboratory.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to team manager or lab supervisor, or specialise in complex analysis work.
With a degree and experience you could move into a research technician role.