Molecular laboratory technologist vs molecular technologist

The differences between molecular laboratory technologists and molecular technologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a molecular laboratory technologist and a molecular technologist. Additionally, a molecular technologist has an average salary of $54,483, which is higher than the $51,239 average annual salary of a molecular laboratory technologist.

The top three skills for a molecular laboratory technologist include next-generation sequencing, clinical laboratory and molecular biology. The most important skills for a molecular technologist are clinical laboratory, next-generation sequencing, and molecular biology.

Molecular laboratory technologist vs molecular technologist overview

	Molecular Laboratory Technologist	Molecular Technologist
Yearly salary	$51,239	$54,483
Hourly rate	$24.63	$26.19
Growth rate	-	8%
Number of jobs	86,280	76,319
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 77%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a molecular laboratory technologist do?

A molecular laboratory technologist performs a number of duties to analyze samples in a laboratory setting. Their duties in this position are to collect samples for research, test specimens with a variety of equipment, and study how clinical drugs affect the samples. They are also responsible for maintaining data analysis records, troubleshooting issues, and preparing lab equipment. This position requires advanced education training in molecular biology.

What does a molecular technologist do?

A molecular technologist is responsible for conducting laboratory examinations for clinical trials and medical research. Molecular technologists collect laboratory samples and document scientific findings to support claims and initial theories. They also utilize various advanced laboratory equipment and machinery, requiring them to have excellent knowledge of organizational skills to prevent potential hazards and inconsistencies in results. A molecular technologist works with chemical solutions and sensitive samples, resulting in strict compliance and adherence to safety protocols and regulations.

Molecular laboratory technologist vs molecular technologist salary

Molecular laboratory technologists and molecular technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Molecular Laboratory Technologist	Molecular Technologist
Average salary	$51,239	$54,483
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $69,000	Between $36,000 And $81,000
Highest paying City	-	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Columbia University in the City of New York
Best paying industry	-	Education

Differences between molecular laboratory technologist and molecular technologist education

There are a few differences between a molecular laboratory technologist and a molecular technologist in terms of educational background:

	Molecular Laboratory Technologist	Molecular Technologist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 77%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Harvard University

Molecular laboratory technologist vs molecular technologist demographics

Here are the differences between molecular laboratory technologists' and molecular technologists' demographics:

	Molecular Laboratory Technologist	Molecular Technologist
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 33.9% Female, 66.1%	Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 14.1% White, 53.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 15.0% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between molecular laboratory technologist and molecular technologist duties and responsibilities

Molecular laboratory technologist example responsibilities.

Operate and manage standard quality control on laboratory equipment as well as some specialize equipment for serology studies.
Perform routine clinical tests on several enzymatic tests for galactosemia disease using paper chromatography - radiation imaging detection, spectrophotometry.
Interview and hire new employees.verse in HIPAA regulations to protect patient confidentiality.

Molecular technologist example responsibilities.

Manage and maintain Tecan for automate pipetting.
Perform DNA and RNA isolation from blood, bone marrow, and tissue.
Perform PCR on patient samples for various genes and check for proper amplification using gel electrophoresis.
Follow the standard and newly add laboratory procedures and maintain compliance with OSHA, CLIA and safety risk management guidelines.
Participate in technical laboratory tasks including bone marrow culture initiation, harvest, slide preparation and banding.
Report preparation including individual cell analysis and any further testing results along with a composite karyotype according to ISCN naming protocol.

Molecular laboratory technologist vs molecular technologist skills

Common molecular laboratory technologist skills

Next-Generation Sequencing, 18%
Clinical Laboratory, 11%
Molecular Biology, 7%
Control Procedures, 7%
Extraction, 6%
Sops, 6%

Common molecular technologist skills

Clinical Laboratory, 11%
Next-Generation Sequencing, 10%
Molecular Biology, 7%
CLIA, 6%
Extraction, 6%
Specimen Handling, 4%

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Molecular Laboratory Technologist
Molecular Laboratory Technologist vs Molecular Technologist

Updated January 8, 2025

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