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The differences between molecular technologists and laboratory technicians 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 technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a molecular technologist has an average salary of $54,483, which is higher than the $40,038 average annual salary of a laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a molecular technologist include clinical laboratory, next-generation sequencing and molecular biology. The most important skills for a laboratory technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,483 | $40,038 |
| Hourly rate | $26.19 | $19.25 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 76,319 | 84,357 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| 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 technicians are medical professionals who work in the laboratory. They are responsible for the equipment in the laboratory, making sure tools are properly sanitized and sterilized after every use. They also ensure that laboratory equipment works well. Laboratory technicians may also be responsible for collecting and testing samples from patients. They prepare solutions and other chemicals that may be needed for testing. They also provide an analysis of the samples that they tested. Laboratory technicians ensure that all items in the laboratory are properly labeled and organized.
Molecular technologists and laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,483 | $40,038 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $81,000 | Between $27,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Columbia University in the City of New York | Tenaska |
| Best paying industry | Education | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a molecular technologist and a laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | New York University |
Here are the differences between molecular technologists' and laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Molecular Technologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0% | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% |
| 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, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |