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The differences between laboratory support technicians and phlebotomy 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 support technician and a phlebotomy technician. Additionally, a laboratory support technician has an average salary of $36,799, which is higher than the $34,725 average annual salary of a phlebotomy technician.
The top three skills for a laboratory support technician include patients, phlebotomy and customer service. The most important skills for a phlebotomy technician are patients, infection control, and blood specimens.
| Laboratory Support Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $36,799 | $34,725 |
| Hourly rate | $17.69 | $16.69 |
| Growth rate | - | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 131,128 | 107,110 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Associate Degree, 18% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A laboratory support technician is responsible for assisting scientists and medical professionals in conducting experiments and laboratory examinations. Laboratory support technicians organize samples, label them accurately, and record the results timely on the system. They also ensure that all the laboratory tools and equipment are sterilized and well-maintained, avoiding possible contaminations that may affect the accuracy of deliverables. A laboratory support technician coordinates with the patients for appointments, releasing of medical results, and applying scientific methods on evaluating data. They may also perform administrative and clerical duties as needed under the supervision of a head laboratory technician.
A phlebotomy technician is responsible for conducting the medical procedure of drawing blood samples using extraction tools and other equipment. Phlebotomy technicians label the samples for laboratory examinations, donation testing, and other related purposes. They also inspect and maintain the cleanliness of medical equipment, including sterilization of needles and other tools, to avoid contamination that would affect the accuracy of the results. A phlebotomy technician records fluid tests and procedures for reference and patient examination history.
Laboratory support technicians and phlebotomy technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Support Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Average salary | $36,799 | $34,725 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $50,000 | Between $26,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Thousand Oaks, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Maine | - |
| Best paying company | Sandia National Labs | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a laboratory support technician and a phlebotomy technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Support Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Associate Degree, 18% |
| Most common major | Biology | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | New York University | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between laboratory support technicians' and phlebotomy technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Support Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 45.4% Female, 54.6% | Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |