Molecular technologist vs clinical laboratory technician

The differences between molecular technologists and clinical laboratory technicians 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 technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a molecular technologist has an average salary of $54,483, which is higher than the $50,756 average annual salary of a clinical laboratory technician.

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 technician are patients, test results, and patient care.

Molecular technologist vs clinical laboratory technician overview

	Molecular Technologist	Clinical Laboratory Technician
Yearly salary	$54,483	$50,756
Hourly rate	$26.19	$24.40
Growth rate	8%	-
Number of jobs	76,319	119,050
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	12

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 technician do?

A clinical laboratory technician typically works under the direction of a physician or medical technologist to perform tests that will aid in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and illnesses. You will perform various duties, including preparing samples for analysis, monitoring tests and procedures, and matching blood for transfusion. Additionally, you are expected to participate in staff training and educational opportunities and contribute to a secure and safe environment for patients, physicians, co-workers, and visitors. This role will also require ensuring that laboratory information remains confidential.

Molecular technologist vs clinical laboratory technician salary

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

	Molecular Technologist	Clinical Laboratory Technician
Average salary	$54,483	$50,756
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $81,000	Between $36,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Stockton, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Columbia University in the City of New York	Claxton Hepburn
Best paying industry	Education	Media

Differences between molecular technologist and clinical laboratory technician education

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

	Molecular Technologist	Clinical Laboratory Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	New York University

Molecular technologist vs clinical laboratory technician demographics

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

	Molecular Technologist	Clinical Laboratory Technician
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%	Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5%
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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 12.9% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between molecular technologist and clinical laboratory technician 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 technician example responsibilities.

Manage patient, and corporate information with compassion and confidentiality.
Provide oversight of training and competency testing of technicians to ensure compliance with CLIA, HIPPA and OSHA guidelines.
Collect, process, and analyze clinical specimens for several departments including microbiology, chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis
Experience working in a hospital laboratory in automate chemistry, hematology, blood bank, urinalysis, and immunology departments.
Dispose of biohazard wastes according to OSHA standards ..
Screen blood products for pathogens and co-treatment success.

Molecular technologist vs clinical laboratory technician 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 technician skills

Patients, 16%
Test Results, 7%
Patient Care, 6%
Hematology, 5%
Body Fluids, 4%
Proficiency Testing, 4%

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Molecular Technologist vs Clinical Laboratory Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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