Molecular technologist vs clinical laboratory scientist

The differences between molecular technologists and clinical laboratory scientists 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 technologist and a clinical laboratory scientist. Additionally, a clinical laboratory scientist has an average salary of $67,900, which is higher than the $54,483 average annual salary of a molecular technologist.

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 scientist are patients, test results, and microbiology.

Molecular technologist vs clinical laboratory scientist overview

	Molecular Technologist	Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Yearly salary	$54,483	$67,900
Hourly rate	$26.19	$32.64
Growth rate	8%	17%
Number of jobs	76,319	133,838
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

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.

What does a clinical laboratory scientist do?

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for performing laboratory tests that doctors count on to correctly diagnose and treat patients. They examine body fluids, tissues, and cells, identify infective microorganisms, and analyze the chemical constituents of body fluids.

Molecular technologist vs clinical laboratory scientist salary

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

	Molecular Technologist	Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Average salary	$54,483	$67,900
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $81,000	Between $46,000 And $99,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Columbia University in the City of New York	Westpac
Best paying industry	Education	Health Care

Differences between molecular technologist and clinical laboratory scientist education

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

	Molecular Technologist	Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common major	Biology	Medical Technician
Most common college	Harvard University	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Molecular technologist vs clinical laboratory scientist demographics

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

	Molecular Technologist	Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%	Male, 34.8% Female, 65.2%
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, 9.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 15.4% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between molecular technologist and clinical laboratory scientist duties and responsibilities

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.

Clinical laboratory scientist example responsibilities.

Analyze specimens in hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, toxicology, blood bank, and limit microbiology and serology.
Perform testing on donor and patient samples on platforms using methodologies including EIA, CLIA, and NAT (PCR).
Perform patient blood analysis, interpret serology, immunology and flowcytometry results.
Provide phlebotomy, specimen processing and laboratory testing for clinical trial studies.
Analyze specimens in areas of hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, and clinical chemistry within time constraints in a high-volume environment.
Perform microbiology, mycology and bacteriology

Molecular technologist vs clinical laboratory scientist skills

Common molecular technologist skills

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

Common clinical laboratory scientist skills

Patients, 12%
Test Results, 8%
Microbiology, 7%
CLS, 7%
Hematology, 6%
ASCP, 6%

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Molecular Technologist
Molecular Technologist vs Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Updated January 8, 2025

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