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The differences between molecular technologists and clinical laboratory assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a molecular technologist, becoming a clinical laboratory assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a molecular technologist has an average salary of $54,483, which is higher than the $32,679 average annual salary of a clinical laboratory assistant.
The top three skills for a molecular technologist include clinical laboratory, next-generation sequencing and molecular biology. The most important skills for a clinical laboratory assistant are patients, phlebotomy, and clinical lab.
| Molecular Technologist | Clinical Laboratory Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $54,483 | $32,679 |
| Hourly rate | $26.19 | $15.71 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 76,319 | 108,124 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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.
A clinical laboratory assistant specializes in performing support tasks in a laboratory or similar setting using their in-depth knowledge. They are primarily responsible for assisting researchers, preparing samples and apparatus, conducting experiments and analysis, maintaining extensive documentation of all processes and results, and reporting to management. Moreover, a clinical laboratory assistant is also responsible for gathering necessary information before beginning studies and maintaining the laboratory's cleanliness and sanitation. It is vital to implement all the safety rules and regulations to ensure a safe and productive work environment.
Molecular technologists and clinical laboratory assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Technologist | Clinical Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average salary | $54,483 | $32,679 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $81,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Columbia University in the City of New York | Roswell Park |
| Best paying industry | Education | Technology |
There are a few differences between a molecular technologist and a clinical laboratory assistant in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Technologist | Clinical Laboratory Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | New York University |
Here are the differences between molecular technologists' and clinical laboratory assistants' demographics:
| Molecular Technologist | Clinical Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0% | Male, 25.4% Female, 74.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.1% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |