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The differences between test laboratory technicians and clinical 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 test laboratory technician and a clinical technician. Additionally, a test laboratory technician has an average salary of $50,765, which is higher than the $35,760 average annual salary of a clinical technician.
The top three skills for a test laboratory technician include test equipment, troubleshoot and test results. The most important skills for a clinical technician are patients, vital signs, and phlebotomy.
| Test Laboratory Technician | Clinical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,765 | $35,760 |
| Hourly rate | $24.41 | $17.19 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 64,233 | 161,812 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A test laboratory technician is responsible for conducting laboratory tests to diagnose patients' conditions and identify their treatment plans. Test laboratory technicians safely operate laboratory tools and equipment, adhering to the strict safety standards and regulations to avoid contamination and prevent potential hazards within the laboratory. They also maintain the cleanliness of the area, as well as sanitizing the instruments and properly segregating disposable materials. A test laboratory technician analyzes results and writes medical reports under the supervision of an attending physician or medical technologist.
A clinical technician is responsible for operating and maintaining clinical equipment, ensuring the proper sterilization of all laboratory tools and kits to avoid contamination during medical procedures. Clinical technicians assist the patients with their medical inquiries and needs, collecting samples for laboratory, and helping medical professionals on surgeries and other medical operations. They also maintain medical charts, update patients' information on the database, and administer patients' medication. A clinical technician must have excellent knowledge of the medical industry, as well as strictly following internal guidelines and safety procedures during operations.
Test laboratory technicians and clinical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Laboratory Technician | Clinical Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,765 | $35,760 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $73,000 | Between $26,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Waltham, MA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Brigham and Women's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Government |
There are a few differences between a test laboratory technician and a clinical technician in terms of educational background:
| Test Laboratory Technician | Clinical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Nursing |
| Most common college | Purdue University | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between test laboratory technicians' and clinical technicians' demographics:
| Test Laboratory Technician | Clinical Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% | Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 11.6% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 11.2% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |