Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
29-2012.00
Bright Outlook Updated 2024

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Sample of reported job titles: Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Technician (Clinical Lab Technician), Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Technicians (Medical Lab Technician), Medical Technician

Also see: Histology Technicians

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
95
 
Core
Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
95
 
Core
Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
92
 
Core
Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
91
 
Core
Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
85
 
Core
Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
77
 
Core
Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.
97
 
Supplemental
Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
93
 
Supplemental
Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
92
 
Supplemental
Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
89
 
Supplemental
Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.
87
 
Supplemental
Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.
86
 
Supplemental
Cut, stain, and mount tissue samples for examination by pathologists.
85
 
Supplemental
Perform medical research to further control or cure disease.
85
 
Supplemental
Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.
81
 
Supplemental
Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.
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Worker Requirements

Education

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

  • 46%
     
    Bachelor’s degree required
  • 31%
     
    Associate’s degree required
  • 10%
     
    Post-baccalaureate certificate required

Worker Characteristics

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
84
 
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.
81
 
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.
64
 
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