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The differences between cytogenetic technologists and laboratory technicians 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 $40,038 average annual salary of a laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a cytogenetic technologist include harvest, patients and ASCP. The most important skills for a laboratory technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,242 | $40,038 |
| Hourly rate | $26.08 | $19.25 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 76,373 | 84,357 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| 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 technicians are medical professionals who work in the laboratory. They are responsible for the equipment in the laboratory, making sure tools are properly sanitized and sterilized after every use. They also ensure that laboratory equipment works well. Laboratory technicians may also be responsible for collecting and testing samples from patients. They prepare solutions and other chemicals that may be needed for testing. They also provide an analysis of the samples that they tested. Laboratory technicians ensure that all items in the laboratory are properly labeled and organized.
Cytogenetic technologists and laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,242 | $40,038 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $27,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | University of California, Berkeley | Tenaska |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a cytogenetic technologist and a laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | New York University |
Here are the differences between cytogenetic technologists' and laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.2% Female, 70.8% | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |