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The differences between molecular technologists and 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 laboratory assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a molecular technologist has an average salary of $54,483, which is higher than the $34,168 average annual salary of a 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 laboratory assistant are patients, phlebotomy, and customer service.
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $54,483 | $34,168 |
| Hourly rate | $26.19 | $16.43 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 76,319 | 50,853 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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.
Laboratory assistants work for researchers, scientists, or professors in the laboratory setting. They are expected to have a solid background in the field of study of the laboratory they are assigned to. They do a variety of tasks in the laboratory, such as setting up equipment, observing experiments, analyzing results, creating reports, and recommending improvements to the testing. They may also be assigned to clean and sanitize laboratory equipment as needed. Laboratory assistants should have good research skills, analytical skills, and organizational skills.
Molecular technologists and laboratory assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average salary | $54,483 | $34,168 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $81,000 | Between $26,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Columbia University in the City of New York | UST Global |
| Best paying industry | Education | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a molecular technologist and a laboratory assistant in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | New York University |
Here are the differences between molecular technologists' and laboratory assistants' demographics:
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0% | Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4% |
| 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, 9.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 13.9% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |