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The differences between pathological technicians and phlebotomy 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 phlebotomy technician. Additionally, a pathological technician has an average salary of $50,684, which is higher than the $34,725 average annual salary of a phlebotomy technician.
The top three skills for a pathological technician include clinical laboratory, patients and specimen handling. The most important skills for a phlebotomy technician are patients, infection control, and blood specimens.
| Pathological Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,684 | $34,725 |
| Hourly rate | $24.37 | $16.69 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 69,003 | 107,110 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Associate Degree, 18% |
| 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 phlebotomy technician is responsible for conducting the medical procedure of drawing blood samples using extraction tools and other equipment. Phlebotomy technicians label the samples for laboratory examinations, donation testing, and other related purposes. They also inspect and maintain the cleanliness of medical equipment, including sterilization of needles and other tools, to avoid contamination that would affect the accuracy of the results. A phlebotomy technician records fluid tests and procedures for reference and patient examination history.
Pathological technicians and phlebotomy technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pathological Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,684 | $34,725 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $69,000 | Between $26,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | Battelle | - |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a pathological technician and a phlebotomy technician in terms of educational background:
| Pathological Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Associate Degree, 18% |
| Most common major | Biology | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | New York University | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between pathological technicians' and phlebotomy technicians' demographics:
| Pathological Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 32.8% Female, 67.2% | Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7% |
| 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, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |