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The differences between laboratory technicians 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 technician and a clinical laboratory technician. Additionally, a clinical laboratory technician has an average salary of $50,756, which is higher than the $40,038 average annual salary of a laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a laboratory technician include patients, lab equipment and customer service. The most important skills for a clinical laboratory technician are patients, test results, and patient care.
| Laboratory Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $40,038 | $50,756 |
| Hourly rate | $19.25 | $24.40 |
| Growth rate | 4% | - |
| Number of jobs | 84,357 | 119,050 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Laboratory technicians are medical professionals who work in the laboratory. They are responsible for the equipment in the laboratory, making sure tools are properly sanitized and sterilized after every use. They also ensure that laboratory equipment works well. Laboratory technicians may also be responsible for collecting and testing samples from patients. They prepare solutions and other chemicals that may be needed for testing. They also provide an analysis of the samples that they tested. Laboratory technicians ensure that all items in the laboratory are properly labeled and organized.
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 technicians and clinical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $40,038 | $50,756 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $58,000 | Between $36,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Stockton, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Tenaska | Claxton Hepburn |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Media |
There are a few differences between a laboratory technician and a clinical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | New York University | New York University |
Here are the differences between laboratory technicians' and clinical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% 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, 12.9% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |