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The differences between test laboratory technicians and medical 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 test laboratory technician and a medical laboratory technician. Additionally, a medical laboratory technician has an average salary of $51,780, which is higher than the $50,765 average annual salary of a test laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a test laboratory technician include test equipment, troubleshoot and test results. The most important skills for a medical laboratory technician are medical laboratory, patients, and ASCP.
| Test Laboratory Technician | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,765 | $51,780 |
| Hourly rate | $24.41 | $24.89 |
| Growth rate | - | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 64,233 | 88,721 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| 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 medical laboratory technician is responsible for assisting medical health professionals in conducting laboratory tests to diagnose patients' conditions and provide treatments. Medical laboratory technicians ensure the sanitation of all the tools and equipment before conducting tests. They collect adequate blood samples and specimens, analyze fluid elements, utilize laboratory equipment safely, create reports of findings, and alert medical personnel and medical technologists of emergency conditions. A medical laboratory technician must have excellent knowledge of the medical industry disciplines and processes to perform sensitive tasks and release accurate medical results.
Test laboratory technicians and medical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Laboratory Technician | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,765 | $51,780 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $73,000 | Between $37,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Waltham, MA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Favorite Healthcare Staffing |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a test laboratory technician and a medical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Test Laboratory Technician | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science |
| Most common college | Purdue University | University of Maryland - College Park |
Here are the differences between test laboratory technicians' and medical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Test Laboratory Technician | Medical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% | Male, 29.3% Female, 70.7% |
| 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, 11.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |