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The differences between laboratory assistants and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a laboratory assistant and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist. Additionally, a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist has an average salary of $34,553, which is higher than the $34,168 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant.
The top three skills for a laboratory assistant include patients, phlebotomy and customer service. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.
| Laboratory Assistant | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $34,168 | $34,553 |
| Hourly rate | $16.43 | $16.61 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 50,853 | 74,428 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Laboratory assistants work for researchers, scientists, or professors in the laboratory setting. They are expected to have a solid background in the field of study of the laboratory they are assigned to. They do a variety of tasks in the laboratory, such as setting up equipment, observing experiments, analyzing results, creating reports, and recommending improvements to the testing. They may also be assigned to clean and sanitize laboratory equipment as needed. Laboratory assistants should have good research skills, analytical skills, and organizational skills.
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 assistants and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Assistant | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $34,168 | $34,553 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $44,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | - |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | - |
| Best paying company | UST Global | - |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between a laboratory assistant and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Assistant | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Most common major | Biology | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | New York University | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between laboratory assistants' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:
| Laboratory Assistant | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4% | Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 13.9% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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% |