Laboratory analyst vs medical laboratory technician

The differences between laboratory analysts and medical laboratory 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 medical laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a medical laboratory technician has an average salary of $51,780, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

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

Laboratory analyst vs medical laboratory technician overview

	Laboratory Analyst	Medical Laboratory Technician
Yearly salary	$44,024	$51,780
Hourly rate	$21.17	$24.89
Growth rate	9%	16%
Number of jobs	44,074	88,721
Job satisfaction	-	3.33
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Associate Degree, 55%
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 medical laboratory technician do?

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.

Laboratory analyst vs medical laboratory technician salary

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

	Laboratory Analyst	Medical Laboratory Technician
Average salary	$44,024	$51,780
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $62,000	Between $37,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	New York	Alaska
Best paying company	AbbVie	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Health Care

Differences between laboratory analyst and medical laboratory technician education

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

	Laboratory Analyst	Medical Laboratory Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Associate Degree, 55%
Most common major	Biology	Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Maryland - College Park

Laboratory analyst vs medical laboratory technician demographics

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

	Laboratory Analyst	Medical Laboratory Technician
Average age	38	44
Gender ratio	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%	Male, 29.3% Female, 70.7%
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, 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%

Differences between laboratory analyst and medical laboratory 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.

Medical laboratory technician example responsibilities.

Assist in managing office functions through strong knowledge of PACS, Fuji CR, and EMR systems.
Accomplish constant multitasking between phlebotomy, reception and lab on a daily basis while providing outstanding customer communication skills.
Conduct clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and specimen analysis in hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, serology and immunology.
Experience in the areas of chemistry, hematology, serology, urinalysis, coagulation and microbiology specimen preparation.
Serve as rotational general laboratory technician in urinalysis, serology, chemistry, hematology, coagulation, microbiology, and shipping.
Pass and receive ASCP MLT certification upon graduation.

Laboratory analyst vs medical laboratory technician skills

Common laboratory analyst skills

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

Common medical laboratory technician skills

Medical Laboratory, 10%
Patients, 10%
ASCP, 9%
Clinical Laboratory, 8%
MLT, 6%
Patient Care, 4%

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Laboratory Analyst vs Medical Laboratory Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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