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The differences between accessioners and laboratory support technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an accessioner and a laboratory support technician. Additionally, a laboratory support technician has an average salary of $36,799, which is higher than the $32,627 average annual salary of an accessioner.
The top three skills for an accessioner include laboratory specimens, laboratory analysis and lab tests. The most important skills for a laboratory support technician are patients, phlebotomy, and customer service.
| Accessioner | Laboratory Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $32,627 | $36,799 |
| Hourly rate | $15.69 | $17.69 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 59,541 | 131,128 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 37% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
An accessioner works at laboratories where they are primarily in charge of managing and organizing specimens, assisting scientists as needed. Their responsibilities include receiving and verifying samples, labeling and preparing specimens according to its purpose, updating databases, disposing of waste properly, and examining samples for any contamination. They may also answer client and staff inquiries, providing them with accurate information such as timelines and results. Furthermore, as an accessioner, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff and adhere to the laboratory's rules and regulations to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
A laboratory support technician is responsible for assisting scientists and medical professionals in conducting experiments and laboratory examinations. Laboratory support technicians organize samples, label them accurately, and record the results timely on the system. They also ensure that all the laboratory tools and equipment are sterilized and well-maintained, avoiding possible contaminations that may affect the accuracy of deliverables. A laboratory support technician coordinates with the patients for appointments, releasing of medical results, and applying scientific methods on evaluating data. They may also perform administrative and clerical duties as needed under the supervision of a head laboratory technician.
Accessioners and laboratory support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Accessioner | Laboratory Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $32,627 | $36,799 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Anchorage, AK | Thousand Oaks, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Maine |
| Best paying company | Zoetis | Sandia National Labs |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Technology |
There are a few differences between an accessioner and a laboratory support technician in terms of educational background:
| Accessioner | Laboratory Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 37% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | New York University | New York University |
Here are the differences between accessioners' and laboratory support technicians' demographics:
| Accessioner | Laboratory Support Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 25.6% Female, 74.4% | Male, 45.4% Female, 54.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 11.8% White, 53.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |