Laboratory associate vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist

The differences between laboratory associates 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 associate and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist. Additionally, a laboratory associate has an average salary of $42,756, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.

The top three skills for a laboratory associate include patients, specimen handling and phlebotomy. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.

Laboratory associate vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist overview

	Laboratory Associate	Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Yearly salary	$42,756	$34,553
Hourly rate	$20.56	$16.61
Growth rate	-	10%
Number of jobs	50,050	74,428
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Associate Degree, 23%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	12	12

What does a laboratory associate do?

A laboratory associate's responsibilities revolve around preparing test samples and subjecting them into different examination processes for scientific purposes. Aside from performing extensive analysis, they are also responsible for recording data, reviewing findings, collaborating with other scientists, and producing various reports and presentations. A laboratory associate can work for an institution or private company; they may also choose to contribute their studies in different publications and research activities. Furthermore, as a laboratory practitioner, it is essential to adhere to all the laboratory safety policies and regulations, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.

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 associate vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist salary

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

	Laboratory Associate	Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average salary	$42,756	$34,553
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $63,000	Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	New Brunswick, NJ	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Meta	-
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	-

Differences between laboratory associate and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist education

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

	Laboratory Associate	Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Associate Degree, 23%
Most common major	Biology	Medical Assisting Services
Most common college	New York University	University of Connecticut

Laboratory associate vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist demographics

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

	Laboratory Associate	Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 42.2% Female, 57.8%	Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.2% White, 54.4% 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%

Differences between laboratory associate and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

Laboratory associate example responsibilities.

Manage supply inventory and maintain cleanliness.
Manage patient, and corporate information with compassion and confidentiality.
Direct patient care, phlebotomy, medical billing, clinical laboratory specimen collection, reference laboratory coordinator, specimen courier.
Operate combines to harvest crops for yield-testing field crops.
Perform fluorescence in situ hybridization in a CLIA certify lab.
Utilize CoPath for receiving specimen and reporting out of test results.

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 associate vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills

Common laboratory associate skills

Patients, 10%
Specimen Handling, 6%
Phlebotomy, 6%
Chemistry, 6%
Customer Service, 4%
Patient Care, 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 Associate
Laboratory Associate vs Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist

Updated January 8, 2025

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