Laboratory analyst vs certified medical technician

The differences between laboratory analysts and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a laboratory analyst, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a laboratory analyst has an average salary of $44,024, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a laboratory analyst include test methods, lab equipment and lims. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Laboratory analyst vs certified medical technician overview

	Laboratory Analyst	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$44,024	$38,859
Hourly rate	$21.17	$18.68
Growth rate	9%	5%
Number of jobs	44,074	164,424
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	38	44
Years of experience	2	12

What does a laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

What does a certified medical technician do?

Certified Medical Technicians are specialists in medical diagnoses by performing laboratory testing and analysis for hospitals and physicians. Their duties include lab sanitization to prepare for testing and collection, recording medical samples for testing, specimen preparation, blood drawing for donation and testing, and assisting physicians with sample collection as well as equipment handling in surgical rooms. They must also understand how to use complex and sensitive testing equipment such as cell counters, analyzers, microscopes, and centrifuges.

Laboratory analyst vs certified medical technician salary

Laboratory analysts and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Laboratory Analyst	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$44,024	$38,859
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $62,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Denton, TX
Highest paying state	New York	Alaska
Best paying company	AbbVie	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Health Care

Differences between laboratory analyst and certified medical technician education

There are a few differences between a laboratory analyst and a certified medical technician in terms of educational background:

	Laboratory Analyst	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Biology	Nursing
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Connecticut

Laboratory analyst vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory analysts' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

	Laboratory Analyst	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	38	44
Gender ratio	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 15.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 10.0% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between laboratory analyst and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.

Certified medical technician example responsibilities.

Maintain the cleanliness of storage areas, trays, centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers and work area.
Administer medications to patients according to their medication record as scheduled, as needed according to physician orders.
Perform laboratory test and procedures in areas including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, serology, and bacteriology.
Perform first aid and apply CPR when necessary.
Perform first aid or CPR during medical emergencies until paramedics arrive.
Assist the residents in their ADL needs and prepare their meals.

Laboratory analyst vs certified medical technician skills

Common laboratory analyst skills

Test Methods, 8%
Lab Equipment, 7%
Lims, 5%
Laboratory Procedures, 5%
Sample Preparation, 5%
Analytical Methods, 4%

Common certified medical technician skills

Patients, 17%
Vital Signs, 12%
CPR, 8%
Administer Medications, 7%
Resident Care, 6%
HIPAA, 6%

Laboratory Analyst vs. similar jobs

Laboratory Analyst related careers

Laboratory Analyst related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Industry
Laboratory Analyst
Laboratory Analyst vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs