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Genetic technologist vs molecular technologist

The differences between genetic technologists and molecular technologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a genetic technologist and a molecular technologist. Additionally, a molecular technologist has an average salary of $54,483, which is higher than the $52,561 average annual salary of a genetic technologist.

The top three skills for a genetic technologist include laboratory procedures, clinical laboratory and lab equipment. The most important skills for a molecular technologist are clinical laboratory, next-generation sequencing, and molecular biology.

Genetic technologist vs molecular technologist overview

Genetic TechnologistMolecular Technologist
Yearly salary$52,561$54,483
Hourly rate$25.27$26.19
Growth rate10%8%
Number of jobs75,59576,319
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

Genetic technologist vs molecular technologist salary

Genetic technologists and molecular technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Genetic TechnologistMolecular Technologist
Average salary$52,561$54,483
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $77,000Between $36,000 And $81,000
Highest paying CitySunnyvale, CASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyCalifornia Institute of TechnologyColumbia University in the City of New York
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between genetic technologist and molecular technologist education

There are a few differences between a genetic technologist and a molecular technologist in terms of educational background:

Genetic TechnologistMolecular Technologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeStanford UniversityHarvard University

Genetic technologist vs molecular technologist demographics

Here are the differences between genetic technologists' and molecular technologists' demographics:

Genetic TechnologistMolecular Technologist
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 35.7% Female, 64.3%Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 15.0% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between genetic technologist and molecular technologist duties and responsibilities

Genetic technologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain Tecan for automate pipetting.
  • Work on researching new lab machinery and techniques for DNA extraction.
  • Seed preparation and extraction, loading protein gels, preparation of chemical substances, staining gels
  • Assign to work as a laboratory generalist, performing duties on all laboratory departments including histology and phlebotomy.
  • Satisfy daily patient schedule by efficiently practicing phlebotomy and assist with physician bone marrow biopsy procedures when need.
  • Provide clinical personnel with identification of pathogens & susceptibilities to antibiotics in order to facilitate diagnosis & treatment.
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Molecular technologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain Tecan for automate pipetting.
  • Perform DNA and RNA isolation from blood, bone marrow, and tissue.
  • Perform PCR on patient samples for various genes and check for proper amplification using gel electrophoresis.
  • Follow the standard and newly add laboratory procedures and maintain compliance with OSHA, CLIA and safety risk management guidelines.
  • Participate in technical laboratory tasks including bone marrow culture initiation, harvest, slide preparation and banding.
  • Report preparation including individual cell analysis and any further testing results along with a composite karyotype according to ISCN naming protocol.
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Genetic technologist vs molecular technologist skills

Common genetic technologist skills
  • Laboratory Procedures, 16%
  • Clinical Laboratory, 11%
  • Lab Equipment, 8%
  • GEL Electrophoresis, 6%
  • RNA, 5%
  • Electrophoresis, 5%
Common molecular technologist skills
  • Clinical Laboratory, 11%
  • Next-Generation Sequencing, 10%
  • Molecular Biology, 7%
  • CLIA, 6%
  • Extraction, 6%
  • Specimen Handling, 4%

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