Laboratory analyst vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist

The differences between laboratory analysts and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists 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 laboratory assistant/phlebotomist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a laboratory analyst has an average salary of $44,024, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.

The top three skills for a laboratory analyst include test methods, lab equipment and lims. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.

Laboratory analyst vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist overview

	Laboratory Analyst	Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Yearly salary	$44,024	$34,553
Hourly rate	$21.17	$16.61
Growth rate	9%	10%
Number of jobs	44,074	74,428
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Associate Degree, 23%
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 laboratory assistant/phlebotomist do?

A laboratory assistant/phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples and other laboratory tests, labeling specimens, and performing administrative and clerical duties as needed. Laboratory assistants/phlebotomists should ensure that the laboratory tools and equipment are stored and secured in a safe area, as well as regularly sterilizing testing tools to avoid contamination upon the use of the patients. They must be highly knowledgeable of the medical procedures and processes, responding to the patients' inquiries and concerns, and providing a timely update of medical results.

Laboratory analyst vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist salary

Laboratory analysts and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Laboratory Analyst	Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average salary	$44,024	$34,553
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $62,000	Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	-
Highest paying state	New York	-
Best paying company	AbbVie	-
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	-

Differences between laboratory analyst and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist education

There are a few differences between a laboratory analyst and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:

	Laboratory Analyst	Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Associate Degree, 23%
Most common major	Biology	Medical Assisting Services
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Connecticut

Laboratory analyst vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory analysts' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:

	Laboratory Analyst	Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average age	38	44
Gender ratio	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%	Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9%
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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between laboratory analyst and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist 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.

Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist example responsibilities.

Order doctor prescribe lab tests, perform EKG's, answer phone calls, and order inventory.
Respond to stat collection assignments within fifteen minutes and in accordance with protocol.
Work effectively in a fast pace setting and prioritize duties for routine and stat testing.
Receive and acquire patient's body fluids, prepare and process EKG's on adult and children.
Collect specimens and set-up blood cultures and other microbiology cultures.
Deliver critical patient results as needed and maintain positive relationships with participating physicians and their patients.

Laboratory analyst vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills

Common laboratory analyst skills

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

Common laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills

Patients, 18%
Blood Specimens, 13%
Customer Service, 5%
Phlebotomy Procedures, 5%
Specimen Collection, 4%
Patient Care, 3%

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Laboratory Analyst vs Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist

Updated January 8, 2025

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