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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 | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,483 | $34,553 |
| Hourly rate | $26.19 | $16.61 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 76,319 | 74,428 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| 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.
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 technologists and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $54,483 | $34,553 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $81,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | Columbia University in the City of New York | - |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a molecular technologist and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Most common major | Biology | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between molecular technologists' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0% | Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9% |
| 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, 12.0% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |