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The differences between pathological technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a pathological technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a pathological technician has an average salary of $50,684, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a pathological technician include clinical laboratory, patients and specimen handling. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Pathological Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,684 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $24.37 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 69,003 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Pathological technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pathological Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,684 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $69,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a pathological technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Pathological Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | New York University | - |
Here are the differences between pathological technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Pathological Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 32.8% Female, 67.2% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 2% |