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The differences between test laboratory technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a test laboratory technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a test laboratory technician has an average salary of $50,765, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a test laboratory technician include test equipment, troubleshoot and test results. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Test Laboratory Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,765 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $24.41 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | - | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 64,233 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Test laboratory technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Laboratory Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,765 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $73,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Waltham, MA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a test laboratory technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Test Laboratory Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between test laboratory technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Test Laboratory Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 2% |