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The differences between cytogenetic technologists and laboratory specialists 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 $50,357 average annual salary of a laboratory specialist.
The top three skills for a cytogenetic technologist include harvest, patients and ASCP. The most important skills for a laboratory specialist are chemistry, patients, and test results.
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,242 | $50,357 |
| Hourly rate | $26.08 | $24.21 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 76,373 | 68,634 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
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.
A laboratory specialist develops the areas assigned to them and promotes maximum resource allocation and utilization to achieve their goals. Laboratory specialists handle storage and backup devices, support telecommunication-associated equipment, and relay customer requests and issues. It is their job to process specimens in toxicology, coagulation, microbiology, hematology, chemistry, and urinalysis. Skills and knowledge in a photo lab, cell culture, customer service, and test cases are necessary for this position.
Cytogenetic technologists and laboratory specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Specialist | |
| Average salary | $54,242 | $50,357 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $36,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | University of California, Berkeley | Nokia |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a cytogenetic technologist and a laboratory specialist in terms of educational background:
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | SUNY Stony Brook |
Here are the differences between cytogenetic technologists' and laboratory specialists' demographics:
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Specialist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.2% Female, 70.8% | Male, 47.3% Female, 52.7% |
| 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, 10.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |