Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

People in this career spend their days performing routine laboratory tests on biological samples. They gather information, analyze data, and evaluate their findings to ensure compliance with strict medical standards. To do this work successfully, technicians must inspect their equipment regularly, monitor ongoing processes, and carefully document their results.

This role is highly suited for individuals with realistic interests who enjoy hands-on, practical tasks. Success in the lab requires strong skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and quality control analysis. Technicians must also use active listening and complex problem solving to address issues as they arise.

On a knowledge level, the job demands a solid foundation in chemistry, biology, and medicine, alongside administrative and computer skills. Because patient health depends on accurate test results, workers must demonstrate specific work styles. These include extreme attention to detail, dependability, cautiousness, and integrity. They must also maintain self-control and stress tolerance in fast-paced clinical environments.

To enter this field, the typical education level required is a bachelor's degree, though the career is classified as needing medium preparation, which can also include vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience. Students preparing for this career often major in clinical or medical laboratory science and research, or allied health and medical assisting services.

Depending on where you plan to work, you may need to meet specific state regulations, as some states list a license for this profession. Obtaining professional certifications can also help you secure employment.

Several recognized certifications are available for this role. These include the Medical Laboratory Technician credential from the American Medical Technologists, and the Medical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technician, or Histotechnician certifications from the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Additionally, the Board of Nephrology Examiners Technology Nursing offers a Certified Hemodialysis Technician credential.

The median annual pay for these workers is $62,930. The lowest 10% of earners in this field make less than $38,910, while the highest 10% earn more than $100,990. These salary figures represent a broader group classified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as clinical laboratory technologists and technicians.

There are 332,940 people currently employed in this field. Between the years 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 2.7%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth, combined with normal staff turnover, is expected to result in 20,800 job openings each year.