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The differences between phlebotomy technicians and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists 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 laboratory assistant/phlebotomist. Additionally, a phlebotomy technician has an average salary of $34,725, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a phlebotomy technician include patients, infection control and blood specimens. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $34,725 | $34,553 |
| Hourly rate | $16.69 | $16.61 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 107,110 | 74,428 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| 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 laboratory assistant/phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples and other laboratory tests, labeling specimens, and performing administrative and clerical duties as needed. Laboratory assistants/phlebotomists should ensure that the laboratory tools and equipment are stored and secured in a safe area, as well as regularly sterilizing testing tools to avoid contamination upon the use of the patients. They must be highly knowledgeable of the medical procedures and processes, responding to the patients' inquiries and concerns, and providing a timely update of medical results.
Phlebotomy technicians and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $34,725 | $34,553 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $45,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a phlebotomy technician and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between phlebotomy technicians' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7% | Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9% |
| 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, 12.0% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |