Post job

Molecular technologist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist

The differences between molecular technologists and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists 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/phlebotomist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a molecular technologist has an average salary of $54,483, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.

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/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.

Molecular technologist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist overview

Molecular TechnologistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Yearly salary$54,483$34,553
Hourly rate$26.19$16.61
Growth rate8%10%
Number of jobs76,31974,428
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Associate Degree, 23%
Average age4444
Years of experience212

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 laboratory assistant/phlebotomist do?

A laboratory assistant/phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples and other laboratory tests, labeling specimens, and performing administrative and clerical duties as needed. Laboratory assistants/phlebotomists should ensure that the laboratory tools and equipment are stored and secured in a safe area, as well as regularly sterilizing testing tools to avoid contamination upon the use of the patients. They must be highly knowledgeable of the medical procedures and processes, responding to the patients' inquiries and concerns, and providing a timely update of medical results.

Molecular technologist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist salary

Molecular technologists and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Molecular TechnologistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average salary$54,483$34,553
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $81,000Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyColumbia University in the City of New York-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between molecular technologist and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist education

There are a few differences between a molecular technologist and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:

Molecular TechnologistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Associate Degree, 23%
Most common majorBiologyMedical Assisting Services
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityUniversity of Connecticut

Molecular technologist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist demographics

Here are the differences between molecular technologists' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:

Molecular TechnologistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 42.0% Female, 58.0%Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9%
Race ratioBlack 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, 12.0% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between molecular technologist and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist 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.
  • Show more

Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Order doctor prescribe lab tests, perform EKG's, answer phone calls, and order inventory.
  • Respond to stat collection assignments within fifteen minutes and in accordance with protocol.
  • Work effectively in a fast pace setting and prioritize duties for routine and stat testing.
  • Receive and acquire patient's body fluids, prepare and process EKG's on adult and children.
  • Collect specimens and set-up blood cultures and other microbiology cultures.
  • Deliver critical patient results as needed and maintain positive relationships with participating physicians and their patients.
  • Show more

Molecular technologist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills

Common molecular technologist skills
  • Clinical Laboratory, 11%
  • Next-Generation Sequencing, 10%
  • Molecular Biology, 7%
  • CLIA, 6%
  • Extraction, 6%
  • Specimen Handling, 4%
Common laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Blood Specimens, 13%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 5%
  • Specimen Collection, 4%
  • Patient Care, 3%

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs