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The differences between laboratory support technicians 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 support technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, which is higher than the $36,799 average annual salary of a laboratory support technician.
The top three skills for a laboratory support technician include patients, phlebotomy and customer service. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Laboratory Support Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $36,799 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $17.69 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | - | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 131,128 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
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.
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 support technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Support Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $36,799 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $50,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Thousand Oaks, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Sandia National Labs | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a laboratory support technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Support Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | New York University | - |
Here are the differences between laboratory support technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Support Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 45.4% Female, 54.6% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 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% |