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The differences between pathological technicians and clinical laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a pathological technician and a clinical laboratory technician. Additionally, a clinical laboratory technician has an average salary of $50,756, which is higher than the $50,684 average annual salary of a pathological technician.
The top three skills for a pathological technician include clinical laboratory, patients and specimen handling. The most important skills for a clinical laboratory technician are patients, test results, and patient care.
| Pathological Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,684 | $50,756 |
| Hourly rate | $24.37 | $24.40 |
| Growth rate | 1% | - |
| Number of jobs | 69,003 | 119,050 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Pathology technicians, or sometimes referred to as pathology assistants, are professionals who assist pathologists review specimens and tissue samples by utilizing microscopes and other complex lab equipment. These technicians are required to audit lab equipment in the inventory system and provide minor maintenance and calibrations on the lab equipment to avoid errors in test results. They are required to evaluate laboratory test results and record known control values from technical instruments to ensure reliability. Pathological technicians must also handle and organize blood samples taken for pharmacological studies.
A clinical laboratory technician typically works under the direction of a physician or medical technologist to perform tests that will aid in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and illnesses. You will perform various duties, including preparing samples for analysis, monitoring tests and procedures, and matching blood for transfusion. Additionally, you are expected to participate in staff training and educational opportunities and contribute to a secure and safe environment for patients, physicians, co-workers, and visitors. This role will also require ensuring that laboratory information remains confidential.
Pathological technicians and clinical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pathological Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,684 | $50,756 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $69,000 | Between $36,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Stockton, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Claxton Hepburn |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Media |
There are a few differences between a pathological technician and a clinical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Pathological Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | New York University | New York University |
Here are the differences between pathological technicians' and clinical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Pathological Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 32.8% Female, 67.2% | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 12.0% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 12.9% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |