Molecular technologist vs laboratory supervisor

The differences between molecular technologists and laboratory supervisors 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 supervisor takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a laboratory supervisor has an average salary of $67,361, which is higher than the $54,483 average annual salary of a molecular technologist.

The top three skills for a molecular technologist include clinical laboratory, next-generation sequencing and molecular biology. The most important skills for a laboratory supervisor are clinical laboratory, patients, and chemistry.

Molecular technologist vs laboratory supervisor overview

	Molecular Technologist	Laboratory Supervisor
Yearly salary	$54,483	$67,361
Hourly rate	$26.19	$32.39
Growth rate	8%	3%
Number of jobs	76,319	49,957
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
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 laboratory supervisor do?

The primary job of laboratory supervisors is to oversee the daily operations of laboratories. They are responsible for facilitating the collection, analysis, and interpretation of laboratory results. Other responsibilities include supervising personnel, managing the operating budget of the laboratory, and hiring employees. Laboratory supervisors are responsible for overseeing quality assurance and enforcing practices to ensure quality control within the laboratory. Aside from these tasks, they also manage the acquisition of laboratory equipment and supplies and resolve any technical or administrative issues within the laboratory.

Molecular technologist vs laboratory supervisor salary

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

	Molecular Technologist	Laboratory Supervisor
Average salary	$54,483	$67,361
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $81,000	Between $47,000 And $96,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	California
Best paying company	Columbia University in the City of New York	Chevron
Best paying industry	Education	Health Care

Differences between molecular technologist and laboratory supervisor education

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

	Molecular Technologist	Laboratory Supervisor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	Northwestern University

Molecular technologist vs laboratory supervisor demographics

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

	Molecular Technologist	Laboratory Supervisor
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%	Male, 52.7% Female, 47.3%
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, 10.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 12.0% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between molecular technologist and laboratory supervisor 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.

Laboratory supervisor example responsibilities.

Manage personnel within the team, and provide guidance relating to laboratory EMR to performance improvement projects
Handle administrative and IRB tasks, manage fiscal matters, maintain record system of participant data.
Manage all static data, generate reports, run queries and support laboratories with technical knowledge and advice.
Manage pneumatic resistance rehabilitation lab.
Manage and maintain various automate laboratory equipment though GMP safe practices.
Assist with implementation of new procedures as laboratory works to achieving ISO certification.

Molecular technologist vs laboratory supervisor skills

Common molecular technologist skills

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

Common laboratory supervisor skills

Clinical Laboratory, 11%
Patients, 10%
Chemistry, 6%
Patient Care, 5%
Lab Equipment, 5%
Test Results, 5%

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Molecular Technologist vs Laboratory Supervisor

Updated January 8, 2025

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