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The differences between med technicians and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a med technician has an average salary of $44,523, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a med technician include patients, med-tech and cleanliness. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.
| Med Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $44,523 | $34,553 |
| Hourly rate | $21.41 | $16.61 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 141,154 | 74,428 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| 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 laboratory assistant/phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples and other laboratory tests, labeling specimens, and performing administrative and clerical duties as needed. Laboratory assistants/phlebotomists should ensure that the laboratory tools and equipment are stored and secured in a safe area, as well as regularly sterilizing testing tools to avoid contamination upon the use of the patients. They must be highly knowledgeable of the medical procedures and processes, responding to the patients' inquiries and concerns, and providing a timely update of medical results.
Med technicians and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Med Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $44,523 | $34,553 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $63,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Children's Hospital of Michigan | - |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between a med technician and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Med Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Most common major | Nursing | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | - | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between med technicians' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:
| Med Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 38 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 15.2% Female, 84.8% | Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9% |
| 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, 12.0% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 8% |