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The differences between med technicians and clinical laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a clinical laboratory technician has an average salary of $50,756, which is higher than the $44,523 average annual salary of a med technician.
The top three skills for a med technician include patients, med-tech and cleanliness. The most important skills for a clinical laboratory technician are patients, test results, and patient care.
| Med Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $44,523 | $50,756 |
| Hourly rate | $21.41 | $24.40 |
| Growth rate | 5% | - |
| Number of jobs | 141,154 | 119,050 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 38 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | 12 |
Typically working in hospitals or private clinics, a med technician specializes in collecting blood or bodily fluids and analyzing them through laboratory tests. The results of these tests will be a vital factor in diagnosing a patient's condition and what treatment a physician should give. Moreover, a med technician is also responsible for producing accurate reports, reviewing data, coordinating with physicians and other health care workers, maintaining a clean and sanitized work environment, and adhering to the company's safety policies and standards.
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.
Med technicians and clinical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Med Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $44,523 | $50,756 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $63,000 | Between $36,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Stockton, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Children's Hospital of Michigan | Claxton Hepburn |
| Best paying industry | Government | Media |
There are a few differences between a med technician and a clinical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Med Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Nursing | Biology |
| Most common college | - | New York University |
Here are the differences between med technicians' and clinical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Med Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 38 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 15.2% Female, 84.8% | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 10.1% White, 60.2% 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 | 5% | 8% |