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The differences between pathologist assistants and optometric assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a pathologist assistant and an optometric assistant. Additionally, an optometric assistant has an average salary of $98,734, which is higher than the $50,079 average annual salary of a pathologist assistant.
The top three skills for a pathologist assistant include ASCP, patients and PA. The most important skills for an optometric assistant are patients, appointment scheduling, and customer service.
| Pathologist Assistant | Optometric Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $50,079 | $98,734 |
| Hourly rate | $24.08 | $47.47 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 62,900 | 142,550 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A pathologist assistant is responsible for helping pathologists in conducting laboratory investigations by studying human specimens and surgical biopsies for diagnosis and identify a person's cause of death. Pathologist assistants perform autopsy functions under the supervision of the pathologist, following the strict safety protocols and regulations. They must have excellent organizational skills, especially in operating various equipment to prevent potential hazards and disease contamination. A pathologist assistant creates a comprehensive report of findings for the pathologist's review before releasing the final records.
An optometric assistant performs a variety of support tasks to assist optometrists and maintain a smooth flow of operations at clinics. They typically greet clients and identify their eye and vision care needs, answer inquiries, gather patient histories and other information, prepare and assist the clients for vision tests, and administer eye drops. They may also perform clerical tasks such as processing documents, organizing files, handling calls and correspondence, liaising with external partners such as suppliers and vendors, and updating databases. Moreover, an optometric assistant may also adjust and repair glasses, all according to the clients' needs.
Pathologist assistants and optometric assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pathologist Assistant | Optometric Assistant | |
| Average salary | $50,079 | $98,734 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $101,000 | Between $66,000 And $147,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Essentia Health | QPS |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a pathologist assistant and an optometric assistant in terms of educational background:
| Pathologist Assistant | Optometric Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pathologist assistants' and optometric assistants' demographics:
| Pathologist Assistant | Optometric Assistant | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.4% Female, 60.6% | Male, 9.6% Female, 90.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 9.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.0% Asian, 9.8% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |