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The differences between test laboratory technicians and phlebotomy 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 phlebotomy technician. Additionally, a test laboratory technician has an average salary of $50,765, which is higher than the $34,725 average annual salary of a phlebotomy technician.
The top three skills for a test laboratory technician include test equipment, troubleshoot and test results. The most important skills for a phlebotomy technician are patients, infection control, and blood specimens.
| Test Laboratory Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,765 | $34,725 |
| Hourly rate | $24.41 | $16.69 |
| Growth rate | - | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 64,233 | 107,110 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Associate Degree, 18% |
| 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 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.
Test laboratory technicians and phlebotomy technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Laboratory Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,765 | $34,725 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $73,000 | Between $26,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Waltham, MA | - |
| Highest paying state | Maine | - |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a test laboratory technician and a phlebotomy technician in terms of educational background:
| Test Laboratory Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Associate Degree, 18% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | Purdue University | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between test laboratory technicians' and phlebotomy technicians' demographics:
| Test Laboratory Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% | Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7% |
| 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, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |