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The differences between laboratory assistant/phlebotomists and clinical laboratory technicians 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/phlebotomist and a clinical laboratory technician. Additionally, a clinical laboratory technician has an average salary of $50,756, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist include patients, blood specimens and customer service. The most important skills for a clinical laboratory technician are patients, test results, and patient care.
| Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $34,553 | $50,756 |
| Hourly rate | $16.61 | $24.40 |
| Growth rate | 10% | - |
| Number of jobs | 74,428 | 119,050 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 23% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
A clinical laboratory technician typically works under the direction of a physician or medical technologist to perform tests that will aid in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and illnesses. You will perform various duties, including preparing samples for analysis, monitoring tests and procedures, and matching blood for transfusion. Additionally, you are expected to participate in staff training and educational opportunities and contribute to a secure and safe environment for patients, physicians, co-workers, and visitors. This role will also require ensuring that laboratory information remains confidential.
Laboratory assistant/phlebotomists and clinical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $34,553 | $50,756 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $43,000 | Between $36,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Stockton, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Alaska |
| Best paying company | - | Claxton Hepburn |
| Best paying industry | - | Media |
There are a few differences between a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist and a clinical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 23% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Connecticut | New York University |
Here are the differences between laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' and clinical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9% | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 12.9% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |