Medical Laboratory Technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
Both technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures that physicians and surgeons or other healthcare personnel order. However, technologists perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians do. For example, technologists may prepare specimens and perform detailed manual tests, whereas technicians perform routine tests that may be more automated. Medical laboratory technicians usually work under the general supervision of medical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.
Technologists in small laboratories perform many types of tests; in large laboratories, they sometimes specialize.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Medical Laboratory Technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
Both technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures that physicians and surgeons or other healthcare personnel order. However, technologists perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians do. For example, technologists may prepare specimens and perform detailed manual tests, whereas technicians perform routine tests that may be more automated. Medical laboratory technicians usually work under the general supervision of medical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.
Technologists in small laboratories perform many types of tests; in large laboratories, they sometimes specialize.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Job Prospects
Job prospects will be best for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians who complete an accredited education program and earn professional certification.
Employment projections data for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, 2016-26
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2016 | Projected Employment, 2026 | Change, 2016-26 | Employment by Industry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||||
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | 29-2010 | 335,700 | 378,400 | 13 | -42,700 |  xlsx |
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 29-2011 | 171,400 | 191,200 | 12 | -19,800 | xlsx |
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | 29-2012 | 164,200 | 187,200 | 14 | -22,900 | xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment projections data for accountants and auditors, 2016-26
| Occupational Title |
|---|
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians |
| SOC Code |
| 29-2010 |
| Employment, 2016 |
| 335,700 |
| Projected Employment, 2026 |
| 378,400 |
| CHANGE, 2016-26 |
| PERCENT |
| 13 |
| NUMERIC |
| 42,700 |
| EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY |
| xlsx |
| Occupational Title |
|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists |
| SOC Code |
| 29-2011 |
| Employment, 2016 |
| 171,400 |
| Projected Employment, 2026 |
| 191,200 |
| CHANGE, 2016-26 |
| PERCENT |
| 12 |
| NUMERIC |
| 19,800 |
| EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY |
| xlsx |
| Occupational Title |
|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians |
| SOC Code |
| 29-2012 |
| Employment, 2016 |
| 164,200 |
| Projected Employment, 2026 |
| 187,200 |
| CHANGE, 2016-26 |
| PERCENT |
| 14 |
| NUMERIC |
| 22,900 |
| EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY |
| xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Pay
The median annual wage for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $51,770 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,530.
In May 2017, the median annual wages for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals; State, Local, and Private | $54,670 |
|---|---|
| Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories | $49,600 |
| Junior Colleges, Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools; State, Local, and Private | $49,370 |
| Offices of Physicians | $47,380 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $45,520 |
Most medical laboratory technologists and technicians work full time. Technologists and technicians who work in facilities that are always open, such as hospitals and some independent laboratories, may work evening, weekend, or overnight hours.
Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Median annual wages, May 2017
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Job Outlook
Employment of medical laboratory technologists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster the average for all occupations. Employment of medical laboratory technicians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
An increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Prenatal testing for various types of genetic conditions also is increasingly common. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians will be in demand to use and maintain the equipment needed for diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Percent change in employment, projected 2016-26
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Run Your First Background Check for Clinical Laboratory Technicians
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|
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Free Staffing Resources
Top 20 Clinical Laboratory Companies
- Ascension Health
- Trinity Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- Dignity Health
- Catholic Health Initiatives
- Adventist Health System
Professional Recruiter and Staffing Organizations
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National Association of Personnel Services
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Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals
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American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment
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National Association of Executive Recruiters
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National Association for Health Care Recruitment
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Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association
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American Staffing Association
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Top Echelon Recruiting Network
