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Pathology laboratory technologist vs laboratory technician

The differences between pathology laboratory technologists and 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 pathology laboratory technologist, becoming a laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a pathology laboratory technologist has an average salary of $41,812, which is higher than the $40,038 average annual salary of a laboratory technician.

The top three skills for a pathology laboratory technologist include data entry, OSHA and specimen handling. The most important skills for a laboratory technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.

Pathology laboratory technologist vs laboratory technician overview

Pathology Laboratory TechnologistLaboratory Technician
Yearly salary$41,812$40,038
Hourly rate$20.10$19.25
Growth rate10%4%
Number of jobs85,04684,357
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4444
Years of experience212

Pathology laboratory technologist vs laboratory technician salary

Pathology laboratory technologists and laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pathology Laboratory TechnologistLaboratory Technician
Average salary$41,812$40,038
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $59,000Between $27,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Tenaska
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between pathology laboratory technologist and laboratory technician education

There are a few differences between a pathology laboratory technologist and a laboratory technician in terms of educational background:

Pathology Laboratory TechnologistLaboratory Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeSUNY Stony BrookNew York University

Pathology laboratory technologist vs laboratory technician demographics

Here are the differences between pathology laboratory technologists' and laboratory technicians' demographics:

Pathology Laboratory TechnologistLaboratory Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 36.3% Female, 63.7%Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 13.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between pathology laboratory technologist and laboratory technician duties and responsibilities

Pathology laboratory technologist example responsibilities.

  • Operate and manage standard quality control on laboratory equipment as well as some specialize equipment for serology studies.
  • Perform both RNA and DNA PCR (RT-PCR) assays.
  • Master DNA/RNA extraction and amplification.
  • Programme DNA extraction, amplification and analysis software.
  • Evaluate quality control using standard laboratory tests and measurement controls and maintain compliance with CLIA, OSHA, safety and risk-management guidelines
  • Fill in for the transcription department when they have people out of the office.
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Laboratory technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Manage patient, and corporate information with compassion and confidentiality.
  • Analyze and paid attention to detail as well as demonstrated excellent organization skills, manual dexterity and good eyesight.
  • Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate with EKG equipment and notify physician is something appears to be wrong.
  • Monitor several color formulations being manufacture in the production department to ensure manufacturing procedures are follow per ISO and GMP.
  • Perform age appropriate phlebotomy while working with critically or terminally ill patients, with careful respect for individual and/or cultural concerns.
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Pathology laboratory technologist vs laboratory technician skills

Common pathology laboratory technologist skills
  • Data Entry, 9%
  • OSHA, 9%
  • Specimen Handling, 9%
  • Medical Terminology, 8%
  • Laboratory Tests, 8%
  • Computer System, 5%
Common laboratory technician skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Lab Equipment, 8%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Basic Math, 4%
  • Test Results, 4%
  • Math, 4%

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