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The differences between laboratory scientists and medical laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a laboratory scientist, becoming a medical laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a laboratory scientist has an average salary of $66,249, which is higher than the $51,780 average annual salary of a medical laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a laboratory scientist include chemistry, ASCP and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for a medical laboratory technician are medical laboratory, patients, and ASCP.
| Laboratory Scientist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $51,780 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $24.89 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 88,721 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A laboratory scientist specializes in conducting research and experiments for a company or an academic institution. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around gathering and labeling samples, documenting data and progress, reviewing results, and even maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory and its apparatus. There are also instances when they have to collaborate with other scientists, report progress, and even contribute them to different publications. Furthermore, a laboratory scientist may supervise less experienced colleagues, all while implementing the safety policies and regulations of the laboratory to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
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 scientists and medical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $51,780 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $37,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Favorite Healthcare Staffing |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and a medical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Biology | Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of Maryland - College Park |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and medical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 29.3% Female, 70.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |