Molecular research technologist vs medical laboratory technician

The differences between molecular research technologists and medical 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 molecular research technologist, becoming a medical laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a molecular research technologist has an average salary of $59,138, which is higher than the $51,780 average annual salary of a medical laboratory technician.

The top three skills for a molecular research technologist include CRISPR, lab equipment and tissue culture. The most important skills for a medical laboratory technician are medical laboratory, patients, and ASCP.

Molecular research technologist vs medical laboratory technician overview

	Molecular Research Technologist	Medical Laboratory Technician
Yearly salary	$59,138	$51,780
Hourly rate	$28.43	$24.89
Growth rate	8%	16%
Number of jobs	94,466	88,721
Job satisfaction	-	3.33
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Associate Degree, 55%
Average age	40	44
Years of experience	4	12

What does a molecular research technologist do?

A molecular research technologist works in a laboratory and performs duties to analyze samples. Molecular research technologists are responsible for collecting samples for research, testing specimens using various materials and equipment, and studying how treatments and clinical drugs affect samples. They identify issues and troubleshooting, maintain data analysis records, entering data into a lab information system, and preparing lab equipment. They should perform complex procedures with understanding and a high degree of accuracy. As molecular research technologists, their skills are in demand in genotyping involving in the genetic and molecular sugarcane breeding program.

What does a medical laboratory technician do?

A medical laboratory technician is responsible for assisting medical health professionals in conducting laboratory tests to diagnose patients' conditions and provide treatments. Medical laboratory technicians ensure the sanitation of all the tools and equipment before conducting tests. They collect adequate blood samples and specimens, analyze fluid elements, utilize laboratory equipment safely, create reports of findings, and alert medical personnel and medical technologists of emergency conditions. A medical laboratory technician must have excellent knowledge of the medical industry disciplines and processes to perform sensitive tasks and release accurate medical results.

Molecular research technologist vs medical laboratory technician salary

Molecular research technologists and medical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Molecular Research Technologist	Medical Laboratory Technician
Average salary	$59,138	$51,780
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $92,000	Between $37,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	Urban Honolulu, HI	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	Kansas	Alaska
Best paying company	Mayo Clinic	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between molecular research technologist and medical laboratory technician education

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

	Molecular Research Technologist	Medical Laboratory Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Associate Degree, 55%
Most common major	Biology	Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Maryland - College Park

Molecular research technologist vs medical laboratory technician demographics

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

	Molecular Research Technologist	Medical Laboratory Technician
Average age	40	44
Gender ratio	Male, 47.4% Female, 52.6%	Male, 29.3% Female, 70.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 12.3% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	19%	8%

Differences between molecular research technologist and medical laboratory technician duties and responsibilities

Molecular research technologist example responsibilities.

Manage social media publications to spread awareness and notifications on Facebook.
Work continuously to improve processes at the NGS prep and DNA/RNA extraction levels.
Conduct routine immunological assays utilizing electrophoresis and ELIZA methodologies.
Work with PCR and electrophoresis to study Haloquadratum walsbyi genome.
Time code numerous videos for postdoctoral research on developmental behavior and violence -convert subject data into statistical input using IBM SPSS.
Identify glucose-induced increases in the phosphorylation levels of interest proteins, including metabolic enzymes and transcription factors by analyzing phosphoproteomics data.

Medical laboratory technician example responsibilities.

Assist in managing office functions through strong knowledge of PACS, Fuji CR, and EMR systems.
Accomplish constant multitasking between phlebotomy, reception and lab on a daily basis while providing outstanding customer communication skills.
Conduct clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and specimen analysis in hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, serology and immunology.
Experience in the areas of chemistry, hematology, serology, urinalysis, coagulation and microbiology specimen preparation.
Serve as rotational general laboratory technician in urinalysis, serology, chemistry, hematology, coagulation, microbiology, and shipping.
Pass and receive ASCP MLT certification upon graduation.

Molecular research technologist vs medical laboratory technician skills

Common molecular research technologist skills

CRISPR, 12%
Lab Equipment, 9%
Tissue Culture, 7%
Chemistry, 7%
Extraction, 6%
Data Analysis, 5%

Common medical laboratory technician skills

Medical Laboratory, 10%
Patients, 10%
ASCP, 9%
Clinical Laboratory, 8%
MLT, 6%
Patient Care, 4%

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Molecular Research Technologist
Molecular Research Technologist vs Medical Laboratory Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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