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The differences between molecular technologists and medical 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 medical laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a molecular technologist has an average salary of $54,483, which is higher than the $51,780 average annual salary of a medical 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 medical laboratory technician are medical laboratory, patients, and ASCP.
| Molecular Technologist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,483 | $51,780 |
| Hourly rate | $26.19 | $24.89 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 76,319 | 88,721 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| 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 medical laboratory technician is responsible for assisting medical health professionals in conducting laboratory tests to diagnose patients' conditions and provide treatments. Medical laboratory technicians ensure the sanitation of all the tools and equipment before conducting tests. They collect adequate blood samples and specimens, analyze fluid elements, utilize laboratory equipment safely, create reports of findings, and alert medical personnel and medical technologists of emergency conditions. A medical laboratory technician must have excellent knowledge of the medical industry disciplines and processes to perform sensitive tasks and release accurate medical results.
Molecular technologists and medical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Technologist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,483 | $51,780 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $81,000 | Between $37,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Columbia University in the City of New York | Favorite Healthcare Staffing |
| Best paying industry | Education | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a molecular technologist and a medical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Technologist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Biology | Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Maryland - College Park |
Here are the differences between molecular technologists' and medical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Molecular Technologist | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0% | Male, 29.3% Female, 70.7% |
| 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, 11.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |