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The differences between laboratory assistants and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a laboratory assistant, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, 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 technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Laboratory Assistant | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $34,168 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $16.43 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 50,853 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Laboratory assistants and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Assistant | Technician | |
| Average salary | $34,168 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $44,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | UST Global | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a laboratory assistant and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Assistant | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | New York University | - |
Here are the differences between laboratory assistants' and technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Assistant | Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 2% |