### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians imageClinical laboratory personnel examine and test body fluids and cells.							
						Quick Facts:     Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians2023     Median Pay
            						$60,780     per year
										$29.22     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    342,900Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    5% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    16,800What Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Do
                                                
                        
                        
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most clinical laboratory technologists and technicians work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and doctor’s offices. Most work full time.
            
                                                How to Become a Clinical Laboratory Technologist or Technician
                                                
                        
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Technicians sometimes qualify for jobs with an associate’s degree. Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $60,780 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow							 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 24,000 openings for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about clinical laboratory technologists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Do 
            

			Medical and clinical laboratory technologists and techniciansClinical laboratory technologists and technicians operate laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and cell counters.			
Clinical laboratory technologists (also known as *medical laboratory scientists*) and clinical laboratory technicians (also known as *medical laboratory technicians*) perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Duties
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians typically do the following:
Test and analyze body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples
Operate laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and automated cell counters
Use automated equipment that analyzes multiple samples at the same time
Record data from medical tests and enter results into a patient’s medical record
Discuss results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures with physiciansBoth technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures that physicians and surgeons or other healthcare practitioners 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. Clinical laboratory technicians usually work under the general supervision of clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians set up, calibrate, and maintain the microscopes, cell counters, and other equipment they use. Maintenance includes troubleshooting, cleaning, and testing sterility to ensure quality control. Technologists have more responsibilities related to overall quality assurance in laboratories than do technicians.
Some technologists specialize in a certain type of test. The following are examples of types of specialized clinical laboratory technologists:
***Blood bank technologists*** collect blood, classify it by type, and prepare blood and its components for transfusions.
***Clinical chemistry technologists*** prepare specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids.
***Cytotechnologists*** prepare and examine slides of body cells under a microscope. They look for abnormalities that may signal the beginning of a cancerous growth.
***Hematology technologists***examine blood to identify conditions or diseases, such as blood clots or cancer.
***Histotechnologists*** perform tests on human tissue to identify diseases.
***Microbiology technologists*** examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms.
***Molecular biology technologists*** perform protein and nucleic acid tests, such as gene sequencing, on cell samples.
Like technologists, clinical laboratory technicians may work in several areas or specialize in one area. For example, *histotechnicians* are a type of clinical laboratory technician who cut and stain tissue specimens for pathologists—doctors who study the cause and development of diseases.
 Work Environment
			Clinical laboratory technologists and techniciansLaboratory personnel wear protective masks, gloves, and goggles to ensure their safety.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians held about 342,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians were as follows:
        General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private
                44%Medical and diagnostic laboratories
                21Offices of physicians
                9Junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                5Outpatient care centers
                3Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians work with infectious specimens and other biohazardous substances.
Technologists and technicians may need to stand for long periods.
Injuries and Illnesses
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians may incur injury or illness on the job. For example, they may be subject to repetitive motion injuries because they do the same tasks repeatedly or to illness from working with biohazardous material. To reduce the risk of infection, they follow laboratory safety protocol and wear protective masks, gloves, and goggles.
Work Schedules
Most clinical laboratory technologists and technicians work full time. Because they may work in medical facilities that are always open, such as hospitals, they may have shifts that include nights, weekends, or holidays.
 How to Become a Clinical Laboratory Technologist or Technician

			Clinical laboratory technologists and techniciansClinical laboratory technologists typically need a bachelor’s degree.			
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Technicians sometimes qualify for jobs with an associate’s degree. Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have certification.
Education
High school students who are interested in becoming a clinical laboratory technologist or technician should take classes in chemistry, biology, and math.
Clinical laboratory technologists typically earn a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related life sciences field, such as biology or chemistry.
Bachelor’s degree programs in medical laboratory technology, also known as a medical laboratory scientist degree, include courses in chemistry, biology, and hematology. Accredited programs typically include instruction in laboratory skills, such as safety procedures and lab management, as well as hands-on training in a hospital or other clinical setting. Some laboratory science programs can be completed in 2 years or less and require prior college coursework or a bachelor’s degree.
Clinical laboratory technicians typically complete an associate's degree program in clinical laboratory science. The Armed Forces and vocational or technical schools also may offer postsecondary certificate programs for medical laboratory technicians. Accredited technician programs provide skills in basic laboratory testing and, like medical laboratory scientist degree programs, may offer clinical experience.
Certain types of technologists, such as cytotechnologists, must attend specialized education programs.
For a list of accredited bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs, visit organizations such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered. Requirements vary by state and specialty. For specific requirements, contact your state department of health or state board of occupational licensing.
In some states, licensure requires certification. Although certification is not always required to enter the occupation, employers may prefer to hire certified technologists and technicians.
Individuals may earn certification as a medical laboratory scientist or medical laboratory technician. Completion of an accredited education program is typically required to sit for a certification exam. A number of organizations offer certification, including the American Association of Bioanalysts, American Medical Technologists, and the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Specialty certification is available in areas such as histology and clinical chemistry for those who meet requirements for additional education and work experience.
Advancement
Some clinical laboratory technicians advance to technologist positions after gaining experience and additional education.
Important Qualities
***Analytical skills.*** Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians must examine the specimens they test to determine whether there are abnormalities.
***Detail oriented.***Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians must follow instructions and laboratory procedures when performing tests.
***Dexterity.*** Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians must work carefully when handling needles, specimens, and laboratory equipment.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians may collect blood or tissue samples from patients who feel stressed. They must be supportive and sympathetic in their interactions with patients.
***Physical stamina.*** Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians may stand for long periods while collecting samples. They may need to lift or turn patients to collect samples for testing.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Clinical Laboratory Technologists and TechniciansMedian annual wages, May 2023Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians$60,780  Health technologists and technicians$51,250  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $60,780 in May 2023. 


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 $36,770, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $93,900.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Outpatient care centers
                $67,590General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private
                64,680Junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                58,290Medical and diagnostic laboratories
                58,140Offices of physicians
                51,870Most clinical laboratory technologists and technicians work full time. Because technologists and technicians may work in facilities that are always open, such as hospitals, they may have shifts that include nights, weekends, or holidays.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Clinical Laboratory Technologists and TechniciansPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Health technologists and technicians7%  Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow				 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 24,000 openings for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
An increase in the population of older adults is expected to lead to a greater need for diagnosing medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Prenatal testing for various types of genetic conditions also is increasingly common. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians will be in demand to use and maintain the equipment needed for diagnosis and treatment.
			

                        Employment projections data for     clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians**
			29-2010
			342,900
			359,700
			5
			16,800
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Biological Technicians**
            Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
            Bachelor's degree
            $51,430**Chemical Technicians**
            Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials.
            Associate's degree
            $56,750**Chemists and Materials Scientists**
            Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
            Bachelor's degree
            $87,180**Phlebotomists**
            Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $41,810**Veterinary Technologists and Technicians**
            Veterinary technologists and technicians do medical tests that help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses.
            Associate's degree
            $43,740
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, visit
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
American Society of Cytopathology
For a list of accredited and approved educational programs for medical laboratory personnel, visit
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
For information on certification, visit
American Association of Bioanalysts
American Medical Technologists
American Society for Clinical Pathology

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Cytogenetic TechnologistsCytotechnologistsHistology TechniciansHistotechnologistsMedical and Clinical Laboratory TechniciansMedical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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