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Things that raise your pay

• Instrument specialisation

  Mass spectrometry, chromatography and spectroscopy. Whoever can fix the instrument, not just run it, is the one the lab cannot lose.

• Drug manufacturing

  Working under good manufacturing practice rules pays more and travels well internationally.

• Process operator crossover

  Moving from the lab to running the plant itself is a common and well-paid jump in refineries.

• Quality management

  Running a lab's accreditation and audits is a job in itself.

• Environmental sampling

  Field work on contaminated sites, mines and water bodies, with travel pay.