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The differences between cytogenetic technologists and laboratory assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cytogenetic technologist has an average salary of $54,242, which is higher than the $34,168 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant.
The top three skills for a cytogenetic technologist include harvest, patients and ASCP. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant are patients, phlebotomy, and customer service.
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $54,242 | $34,168 |
| Hourly rate | $26.08 | $16.43 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 76,373 | 50,853 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | 12 |
A cytogenetic technologist is a lab specialist who is responsible for preparing and examining chromosomes in the DNA of patients to learn about the relationship between genetics and health. To aid in diagnosis and treatment plans, cytogenetic technologists must use microscopes to examine and analyze normal and abnormal chromosomes. They work closely with doctors to help diagnose and treat genetic diseases such as congenital disorders, blood disorders, and birth defects. Cytogenetic technologists can also work in different establishments such as hospitals, government facilities, and private labs.
Laboratory assistants work for researchers, scientists, or professors in the laboratory setting. They are expected to have a solid background in the field of study of the laboratory they are assigned to. They do a variety of tasks in the laboratory, such as setting up equipment, observing experiments, analyzing results, creating reports, and recommending improvements to the testing. They may also be assigned to clean and sanitize laboratory equipment as needed. Laboratory assistants should have good research skills, analytical skills, and organizational skills.
Cytogenetic technologists and laboratory assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average salary | $54,242 | $34,168 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $26,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | University of California, Berkeley | UST Global |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a cytogenetic technologist and a laboratory assistant in terms of educational background:
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | New York University |
Here are the differences between cytogenetic technologists' and laboratory assistants' demographics:
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.2% Female, 70.8% | Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 12.1% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 13.9% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |