Career Questions and Answers
I make $12.50/hr as an analytical lab tech with a BS degree in biology. Do you think this wage is unfair?
Asked by Chris
I have a 4 year BS degree in biology and a minor in chemistry, graduated cum laude in 2008. I took the job because I needed quick money, but I think the wage is particularly low. I live in a rural town of about 40,000 in Missouri and work at a chemical manufacturing plant as the night shift analyst. I conduct physical testing as well as extensive analytical testing on incoming and outgoing products, requiring a healthy knowledge of wet bench chemistry. I just want to know if this is a normal wage or far below average, as the Bureau of Labor says the average hourly wage of a chemical lab tech is $18.87 per hour. Thanks.
Thanks for the advice. I am currently looking for another job. The reason I posted the question is because the impression I get from my boss is that the wage is more than fair, just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one who thought it was bogus.
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Best Answer:
Hey, you have a job, right? You anserwered your own question. You took the job because you needed the $$. Now that you have a decent position, at a wage you think should be more, look for a better paying job.
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yes I do.
Answered by кαуℓααα♥
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12.50 an hour fuckin blows, I make 12.00 an hour as a bank teller, I'm not even half way through college either.
Answered by Andrew
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Move to a bigger area. You should atleast be making average wage.
Answered by Long Hair Dont Care
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I'd start looking for a new job
Answered by beanerjr
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um no that is not fair, my 15 year old sister is working at a supermarket after school. and she gets 15.65 an hour..
you are getting ripped off mate
Answered by Soph
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In my opinion, you are grossly underpaid............but it's a market thing..........hold on to what you have and start shopping.
Answered by dalitiguous1
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BELOW, put out your resume. You worked hard for that degree and should be paid accordingly
Answered by Manila Mark
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In todays economy you kinda just gotta take what you can get. But just because you have a job doesn't mean you can't keep looking for something more suitable.
Yea, I made 10.50 plus tips before me and my coworkers got laid off...I'm in college..no degree yet.
Answered by Twinky
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You're getting screwed. But times are tough, I wouldn't quit your job till you get another one.
Answered by Johnny Relentless
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Rural Missouri is not the average cost of living area. If you want to make more per hour move to a bigger city. You'll be paying more to live there but your wages will be higher.
Answered by Jessica
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It sounds low to me. But, you are working in the middle of a terrible recession. Also, you are working outside of a city, so you should expect to make less.
Plus, you are working in MO so I am thinking you don't have a union to negotiate raises for you.
I suggest you work hard, and after, you have been there long enough to use them as a good reference, start looking for better work.
Answered by Bryan
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Most, definitely unfair, but you can't expect much in this economy.
Answered by Ultra-Man
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Wow you could make around the same amount just by going to college for a year and becoming a LPN.
Answered by Asia
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too low salary as a lab technician! find a new job.
i got a BS in Decision Sciences and Management Information Systems, and I make twice as your salary.
Answered by Thầy tướng số
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OMG! I'm a truck driver and I make almost twice that and my wife is a clerk typist and makes way more than that -- you are being used and abused. You have a fancy BS degree (*** laude with a chemistry minor, no less) and you really need to go find yourself a real job with some actual career potential.
Your college education has apparently failed to give you any common sense when it comes to employers using you.
I would make inquiries to your Alma Mater and see if they have a list of recruiters seeking experienced biologists/chemists with your excellent qualifications.
Update your resume and get the hell away from there!
Answered by harmonograph
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I don't know about it being a "fair wage" but it is definitely on par with how much I was getting paid. That's why I abandoned my schooling and found a better job. People without college degrees make the same or more money, which is very sad. The only way to make a decent wage in the sciences is to get your PhD, and even then you could probably do better elsewhere.
Answered by Tia
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