Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
29-2011.00
Bright Outlook Updated 2024

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Sample of reported job titles: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Histologist Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist (Medical Lab Tech), Medical Technologist (MT), Microbiology Technologist

Also see: Cytogenetic Technologists, Cytotechnologists, Histotechnologists

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
98
 
Core
Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
98
 
Core
Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
96
 
Core
Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
96
 
Core
Collect and study blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology, or their blood group, blood type, or compatibility for transfusion purposes, using microscopic techniques.
95
 
Core
Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
94
 
Core
Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
92
 
Core
Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
90
 
Core
Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
88
 
Core
Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members, or researchers.
84
 
Core
Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.
75
 
Core
Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.
73
 
Core
Develop, standardize, evaluate, or modify procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens or in medical laboratory experiments.
90
 
Supplemental
Harvest cell cultures at optimum time, based on knowledge of cell cycle differences and culture conditions.
89
 
Supplemental
Select and prepare specimens and media for cell cultures, using aseptic technique and knowledge of medium components and cell requirements.
87
 
Supplemental
Obtain, cut, stain, and mount biological material on slides for microscopic study and diagnosis, following standard laboratory procedures.
56
 
Supplemental
Conduct medical research under direction of microbiologist or biochemist.
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Worker Requirements

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 59%
     
    Bachelor’s degree required
  • 30%
     
    Associate’s degree required
  • 5%
     
    Master’s degree required

Worker Characteristics

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
86
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
80
 
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
67
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wage data for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Employment data for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Industry data for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Median wages (2022)
$27.59 hourly, $57,380 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
342,900 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Faster than average (5% to 8%)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
24,000
State trends
Top industries (2022)
Health Care and Social Assistance (83% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data and 2022-2032 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings