Medical laboratory professionals usually work away from most medical providers and patients, but what they do directly impacts the people receiving care. A physician can’t diagnose an infection, monitor a chronic condition, choose the right treatment, or otherwise make a decision about a patient’s lab work without accurate laboratory data.
Lab techs are some of the most important people in healthcare, even though patients rarely see them. Behind nearly every diagnosis is a lab professional who collects, processes, and analyzes samples like blood, tissue, and other body fluids. Lab techs also keep a close eye on accuracy and quality, running controls and maintaining equipment so providers can trust every result they receive.
When a test comes back fast and accurate, care moves forward with confidence; when lab teams are short-staffed, everything from emergency room decisions to routine checkups can slow down. In short, lab techs give care teams the answers they need to act, which makes them essential to safe, effective care for patients.
Lab Tech Roles and Responsibilities
A medical lab tech examines blood, tissue, urine, and other patient specimens, performing tests to identify deviations from the norm. The results help healthcare providers diagnose illnesses and track how patients respond to treatment.
While daily responsibilities can vary, lab techs typically:
- Prepare specimens and perform ordered tests
- Operate microscopes, cell counters, centrifuges, and automated analyzers
- Enter results into electronic patient records
- Check equipment and follow quality-control procedures
- Communicate unusual or critical findings
- Follow safety guidelines when working with infectious or biohazardous materials
Lab technicians need to have strong attention to detail. A small error can have significant consequences in this field.
Lab Technician vs. Medical Lab Technician
Job titles vary for lab technicians, and the term itself covers a wide range of jobs. A laboratory technician could work in healthcare, pharmaceutical research, environmental testing, or another scientific setting.
A medical laboratory tech works specifically with clinical specimens used in patient care. Medical lab techs are responsible for preparing samples, operating medical and scientific testing equipment, performing routine tests, and more. They typically work under the supervision of a laboratory manager or medical laboratory technologist.
Medical Laboratory Technician vs. Technologist
Technicians and technologists both perform diagnostic laboratory testing, but their education and responsibilities differ.
- Medical laboratory technicians can begin working with an associate degree, and they’ll focus on testing and automated process work.
- Medical laboratory technologists usually have a bachelor’s degree instead. As a result, they usually perform more complex procedures and take on broader quality-assurance responsibilities.
While looking for a job, it’s not uncommon to see multiple titles for lab techs, such as medical laboratory scientist, or MLS, lab tech, lab technologist, or lab technician. In many organizations, medical laboratory scientist and medical laboratory technologist describe similar bachelor’s-level roles, while the other titles refer to roles requiring a minimum of an associate degree.
What To Expect: The Future of Jobs in the Lab
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that there were 351,200 clinical laboratory technologist and technician jobs in 2024, the last time the report was updated. Employment is projected to grow 2% from 2024 through 2034, adding about 6,000 positions.
That growth rate is slower than the average for all occupations, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t work coming. Instead, look at the total job openings. The BLS expects approximately 22,600 openings each year, many of which will come from others retiring, switching to different roles, or exiting the labor force. Some will also come from new jobs opening up.
As for how much time lab techs spend on the job, it can vary. Most laboratory professionals work full time. Hospitals are always open, so people working there could have night shifts or work holidays. Medical and diagnostic laboratories often provide more traditional hours, although schedules depend on the employer.
How Much Can You Earn as a Lab Tech?
According to the BLS, clinical laboratory technologists and technicians earned a median annual wage of $61,890 in May 2024, which is approximately $29.75 per hour.
The exact pay varies by location and workplace. For example, the median wage for professionals employed by private hospitals was $66,650. Medical and diagnostic laboratories paid slightly less and showed a median wage of $59,070.
ZipRecruiter reports that individuals earn more as medical lab technologists. In that role, the average national salary was $77,303 per year, but each state has its own average that varies widely.
Why Choose a Career as a Lab Tech?
People become medical lab technicians for many reasons, ranging from wanting to work in medicine but enjoying lab work to enjoying science and wanting to work with unique patient cases.
Some of the top reasons people choose to work as a lab tech include:
- Getting to work directly with patient care (but not being patient-facing): Many times, lab technicians are a vital part of a patient’s care team, but they don’t necessarily go to the bedside. Their work in the lab is necessary because it helps providers identify issues with the patient (such as infections or new-onset diseases).
- Finding job stability: There is always demand for quality lab technicians in diagnostic laboratories and hospitals, even though the projected growth may be modest based on BLS statistics. Hospitals and clinics need lab techs to keep their testing departments running smoothly. They also need them to ensure patients get their test results quickly, so they can be treated in a timely manner.
- Establishing a long-term career: A medical laboratory technician can continue their education, potentially going on to become a technologist or medical laboratory scientist. Specialty credentials or supervisory roles are also possible.
Education and Training Requirements
For the more advanced role, medical laboratory technologists generally need a bachelor’s degree in medical technology, medical laboratory science, biology, or a related life science. In terms of education, some states require licensing or registration with a state agency. However, the exact rules vary by location.
Medical laboratory technicians usually complete an associate degree in clinical laboratory science or medical laboratory technology. Those programs include both classroom studies and clinical work. Certification requirements are common.
Some certifications to consider include:
To learn more about different education and credentialing, visit the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification.
Top Locations for Lab Tech Jobs
Laboratory professionals can find work across the country, especially in areas with large hospital systems or ongoing staffing shortages. Many people find medical lab tech jobs in these states:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Maine
- New Mexico
Each state has different licensing rules, and compensation will vary, so make sure you check the job requirements carefully. For travel roles, look closely at contract length and housing costs, as well as if there are guaranteed hours.
Find Lab and Medical Lab Tech Jobs With SHC
Supplemental Health Care connects laboratory professionals with opportunities at healthcare facilities across the country. If you’re ready to find a role, SHC’s recruiting team can help you understand assignment requirements and prepare for the hiring process.
Visit the laboratory job page to browse open opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to become a medical laboratory technician?
An associate degree usually takes about two years. Clinical requirements can affect the total timeline.
Do medical lab techs need certification?
Certification isn’t required for every job, but many employers prefer it. Some states also require a license or certification before you can practice.
Can a medical laboratory technician become a technologist?
Yes. Technicians often move into technologist or medical laboratory scientist positions after completing a bachelor’s degree and meeting certification requirements.
Where can I find medical lab tech jobs?
You can search for permanent, local contract, and travel laboratory positions through Supplemental Health Care’s job portal.
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