Compare STEM careers
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| Laboratory Technician | Biomedical Scientist | |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. starting salary | £21,000–£25,000 | £29,000–£32,000 |
| Degree requirement | Not usually required | Usually required |
| Typical route | GCSE, A levels, T Levels, Apprenticeship | A levels, Degree, Apprenticeship |
| Work environment | Laboratory | Laboratory, Healthcare |
| People interaction | Less so | Less so |
| Hands-on work | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Less so | Yes |
| Career progression | Technicians can become senior technicians, lab managers, or train further as scientists through degree apprenticeships. | With experience you can specialise, become a specialist or senior biomedical scientist, lead a lab section, or move into training, quality, research or lab management. |
Salary figures are approximate guidance only.
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