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The differences between phlebotomy technicians and assistant laboratory 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 phlebotomy technician and an assistant laboratory technician. Additionally, an assistant laboratory technician has an average salary of $35,556, which is higher than the $34,725 average annual salary of a phlebotomy technician.
The top three skills for a phlebotomy technician include patients, infection control and blood specimens. The most important skills for an assistant laboratory technician are patients, ladders, and computer lab.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Assistant Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $34,725 | $35,556 |
| Hourly rate | $16.69 | $17.09 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 107,110 | 116,488 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
The primary responsibility of a lab assistant is to help scientists and technologists. Lab assistants are assigned to prepare and monitor tests and experiments in research or medical laboratory. They analyze data and establish reports based on test results. Also, they set up the tools and equipment used in the lab. It is also part of their job to clean the lab rooms--knowledge in lab management, communication skills, attention to detail, and medical-related management.
Phlebotomy technicians and assistant laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Assistant Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $34,725 | $35,556 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $45,000 | Between $21,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Manchester, NH |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Patterson-UTI Energy |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a phlebotomy technician and an assistant laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Assistant Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Connecticut | University of Maryland - College Park |
Here are the differences between phlebotomy technicians' and assistant laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Assistant Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7% | Male, 71.6% Female, 28.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |