Engineering Lab Technician
Impact: Indirect
Engineering Lab Technicians assist engineers and scientists in research and development, testing, and production processes. They set up, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment, collect and analyze data, and prepare reports on findings. This role requires precision, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of scientific principles and engineering methodologies.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Moderate
- Team vs solo
- Team-oriented
- Client facing
- Rarely
- Impact visibility
- Moderate
- Travel
- Low
- Schedule flexibility
- Structured
- Remote work
- On-site Only
- Typical work hours
- 40
- Stress level
- Moderate
At a glance
- Median salary
- $60,000
- Entry-level
- $45,000
- Senior
- $85,000
- Growth by 2033
- 7%
- Demand
- Stable
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Salary growth potential
- 30%
- Typical student debt
- $20,000 - $35,000
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- Laboratory Techniques
- Data Analysis
- Equipment Calibration
- Technical Documentation
- CAD Software
Soft skills
- Problem-solving
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Critical Thinking
Technical complexity: High
How to get there
- Minimum education
- Associate's Degree
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 5
- Years to senior
- 10
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
Where you can go from here
Typical progression
- Can advance to Senior Lab Technician, Lab Manager, or specialize in a specific engineering discipline. Further education can lead to engineering roles.
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- 25%
- AI disruption risk
- Moderate
- Demand trend
- Stable
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 7.5/10
- Meaning
- 7/10
- Work-life balance
- 7.5/10
- Prestige
- 6.5/10
- Social perception
- Moderate