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The differences between phlebotomy technicians and clinical 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 a clinical laboratory technician. Additionally, a clinical laboratory technician has an average salary of $50,756, 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 a clinical laboratory technician are patients, test results, and patient care.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $34,725 | $50,756 |
| Hourly rate | $16.69 | $24.40 |
| Growth rate | 10% | - |
| Number of jobs | 107,110 | 119,050 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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.
A clinical laboratory technician typically works under the direction of a physician or medical technologist to perform tests that will aid in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and illnesses. You will perform various duties, including preparing samples for analysis, monitoring tests and procedures, and matching blood for transfusion. Additionally, you are expected to participate in staff training and educational opportunities and contribute to a secure and safe environment for patients, physicians, co-workers, and visitors. This role will also require ensuring that laboratory information remains confidential.
Phlebotomy technicians and clinical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $34,725 | $50,756 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $45,000 | Between $36,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Stockton, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Alaska |
| Best paying company | - | Claxton Hepburn |
| Best paying industry | - | Media |
There are a few differences between a phlebotomy technician and a clinical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Connecticut | New York University |
Here are the differences between phlebotomy technicians' and clinical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Clinical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7% | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 12.9% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |