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The differences between microbiological laboratory technicians and laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a microbiological laboratory technician, becoming a laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a laboratory technician has an average salary of $40,038, which is higher than the $38,713 average annual salary of a microbiological laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a microbiological laboratory technician include microbiology lab, laboratory procedures and aseptic technique. The most important skills for a laboratory technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $38,713 | $40,038 |
| Hourly rate | $18.61 | $19.25 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 44,567 | 84,357 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A microbiological laboratory technician specializes in handling and testing samples, ensuring accuracy and safety. Often working under the supervision of a more experienced scientist, a microbiological laboratory technician has the responsibility to operate various devices and machines, record all progress and data, review results, and produce reports and documentation. There are also instances when a technician must submit results within deadlines or follow a senior scientist's directives. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to the safety policies and rules of the laboratory at all times.
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.
Microbiological laboratory technicians and laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $38,713 | $40,038 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $27,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Burlington, MA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | Tenaska |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a microbiological laboratory technician and a laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Cornell University | New York University |
Here are the differences between microbiological laboratory technicians' and laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0% | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 15.2% White, 51.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |