Molecular technologist vs histologic technician

The differences between molecular technologists and histologic technicians 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 histologic technician. Additionally, a molecular technologist has an average salary of $54,483, which is higher than the $49,962 average annual salary of a histologic technician.

The top three skills for a molecular technologist include clinical laboratory, next-generation sequencing and molecular biology. The most important skills for a histologic technician are ASCP, patients, and tissue specimens.

Molecular technologist vs histologic technician overview

	Molecular Technologist	Histologic Technician
Yearly salary	$54,483	$49,962
Hourly rate	$26.19	$24.02
Growth rate	8%	-
Number of jobs	76,319	6,785
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
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 histologic technician do?

A Histologic Technician prepares tissue specimens for routine and special procedures to confirm a patient diagnosis. They work in hospital laboratories, government agencies, public health departments, and other institutions.

Molecular technologist vs histologic technician salary

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

	Molecular Technologist	Histologic Technician
Average salary	$54,483	$49,962
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $81,000	Between $33,000 And $75,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Columbia University in the City of New York	Battelle
Best paying industry	Education	-

Differences between molecular technologist and histologic technician education

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

	Molecular Technologist	Histologic Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	Stanford University

Molecular technologist vs histologic technician demographics

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

	Molecular Technologist	Histologic Technician
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%	Male, 30.4% Female, 69.6%
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, 10.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between molecular technologist and histologic 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.

Histologic technician example responsibilities.

Perform routine histology/cytology procedures and IHC and manage 7-20 staff members.
Develop and implement health and safety protocols and procedures in accordance with CLIA and OSHA regulations
Develop a higher grade eosin for stainline.
Enter patient specimens into the EMR system/file patient records.
Cut all control slides for research and run all immunofluorescence slides.
Perform processing, embedding, microtomy, cryostating, routine and special stains.

Molecular technologist vs histologic technician skills

Common molecular technologist skills

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

Common histologic technician skills

ASCP, 15%
Patients, 12%
Tissue Specimens, 5%
CLIA, 4%
IHC, 4%
Sectioning, 4%

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Molecular Technologist
Molecular Technologist vs Histologic Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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