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The differences between cytogenetic technologists and medical 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 $51,780 average annual salary of a medical laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a cytogenetic technologist include harvest, patients and ASCP. The most important skills for a medical laboratory technician are medical laboratory, patients, and ASCP.
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,242 | $51,780 |
| Hourly rate | $26.08 | $24.89 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 76,373 | 88,721 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| 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.
A medical laboratory technician is responsible for assisting medical health professionals in conducting laboratory tests to diagnose patients' conditions and provide treatments. Medical laboratory technicians ensure the sanitation of all the tools and equipment before conducting tests. They collect adequate blood samples and specimens, analyze fluid elements, utilize laboratory equipment safely, create reports of findings, and alert medical personnel and medical technologists of emergency conditions. A medical laboratory technician must have excellent knowledge of the medical industry disciplines and processes to perform sensitive tasks and release accurate medical results.
Cytogenetic technologists and medical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,242 | $51,780 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $37,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | University of California, Berkeley | Favorite Healthcare Staffing |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a cytogenetic technologist and a medical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Biology | Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Maryland - College Park |
Here are the differences between cytogenetic technologists' and medical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.2% Female, 70.8% | Male, 29.3% Female, 70.7% |
| 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, 11.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |