Pathology laboratory technologist vs medical laboratory scientist

The differences between pathology laboratory technologists and medical laboratory scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a pathology laboratory technologist and a medical laboratory scientist. Additionally, a medical laboratory scientist has an average salary of $54,377, which is higher than the $41,812 average annual salary of a pathology laboratory technologist.

The top three skills for a pathology laboratory technologist include data entry, OSHA and specimen handling. The most important skills for a medical laboratory scientist are patients, ASCP, and clinical laboratory.

Pathology laboratory technologist vs medical laboratory scientist overview

	Pathology Laboratory Technologist	Medical Laboratory Scientist
Yearly salary	$41,812	$54,377
Hourly rate	$20.10	$26.14
Growth rate	10%	-
Number of jobs	85,046	121,913
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

Pathology laboratory technologist vs medical laboratory scientist salary

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

	Pathology Laboratory Technologist	Medical Laboratory Scientist
Average salary	$41,812	$54,377
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $59,000	Between $41,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	-	Reno, NV
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Eli Lilly and Company
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between pathology laboratory technologist and medical laboratory scientist education

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

	Pathology Laboratory Technologist	Medical Laboratory Scientist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Biology	Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science
Most common college	SUNY Stony Brook	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Pathology laboratory technologist vs medical laboratory scientist demographics

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

	Pathology Laboratory Technologist	Medical Laboratory Scientist
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 36.3% Female, 63.7%	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
Race ratio	Black 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, 10.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 12.7% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between pathology laboratory technologist and medical laboratory scientist 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.

Medical laboratory scientist example responsibilities.

Attain extensive phlebotomy experience with a challenging pediatric patient population.
Perform complex laboratory diagnostic tests as medical laboratory scientist in hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis and blood bank.
Evaluate quality control within the laboratory using standard laboratory test and measurement controls while maintaining compliance with CLIA and OSHA.
Execute and analyze test in areas including, hematology, urinalysis, serology, bacteriology, chemistry and transfusion services.
Assist in Cerner LIS system implementation and resource as super user.
Experience in immunology, infectious disease testing, and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Pathology laboratory technologist vs medical laboratory scientist skills

Common pathology laboratory technologist skills

Data Entry, 9%
OSHA, 9%
Specimen Handling, 9%
Medical Terminology, 8%
Laboratory Tests, 8%
Computer System, 5%

Common medical laboratory scientist skills

Patients, 13%
ASCP, 11%
Clinical Laboratory, 10%
MLS, 8%
Proficiency Testing, 5%
Patient Care, 4%

Pathology Laboratory Technologist vs. similar jobs

Pathology Laboratory Technologist related careers

Pathology Laboratory Technologist related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Pathology Laboratory Technologist
Pathology Laboratory Technologist vs Medical Laboratory Scientist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs