Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary

Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary

Medical laboratory technologists are professionals who work behind the scenes and who spend most of their time in the laboratory, conducting research that is vital for the overall medical service quality provided to the patient. The medical laboratory technologist can conduct a series of laboratory tests on tissue samples, blood and other bodily fluids in order to determine any potential diseases. They use computers in conjunction with advanced microscopes and high-end laboratory machines in order to conduct in-depth tests, and the median yearly wage of a medical laboratory technologist in the United States of America is of around $56,000.

Pay Scale In Different Parts Of The United States of America

The median yearly wage for medical laboratory technologists in Alabama ranges between $47,000 and $54,000, while the technologists who work in Arkansas can expect to make as much as $65,000 a year, which is $10,000 over the national average. Those from Arizona are usually paid between $55,000 and as much as $63,000, while those who live in the state of California can get median yearly wages ranging between $78,000 and as much as $85,000.

Medical Laboratory Technologist Job Description

Generally speaking, these professionals are trained to perform a variety of different laboratory tests and procedures indicated by doctors and physicians, in order to diagnose or monitor the evolution of diseases and illnesses. However, the duty of the medical laboratory technologist goes far beyond this, as these professionals are also responsible for examining the bodily fluids and tissues, assisting the pathologists by taking care of the body tissue samples that are about to be examined or conducting in-depth medical analysis and research. At the same time, these professionals also perform quality control functions whenever they are needed.

Medical laboratory technologists can be found in many different settings these days, depending on their level of expertise and on their personal choice. Some of these settings tend to pay more than others, and that is a known fact. That being said, it often happens that medical laboratory technologists work for biotechnology companies, chemical or pharmaceutical companies, for private clinics and state hospitals as well as for different public health laboratories where they conduct research. However, it is not uncommon to see medical laboratory technologists in fertility clinics, transplant and blood donor centers, veterinary clinics as well as private or public research laboratories.

It often happens that medical laboratory technologists expose themselves to different risks, given the fact that they usually get into contact with harmful chemicals. This is why it is essential for these professionals to know how to operate in the laboratory in order to reduce the risk – it is important for them to use goggles, gloves as well as protective masks, for their own protection and safety.

How To Become A Medical Laboratory Technologist?

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medical laboratory techBecoming a medical laboratory technologist is usually a simple and straightforward path, as all you need in order to get started is a two-year Associate’s Degree in the field. However, if you have experience in the field or if you already have a degree, then you can opt for the 12-month certificate program. Regardless of your choice, it is essential to enroll in an accredited program provided by a reputable college or university. The National Accrediting Agency for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences keeps a list of all the accredited training programs available for medical laboratory technologists.


It is highly recommended to get licensed or certified at the end of the training program, as most of the employers these days do require their laboratory technicians to be certified. The American Society for Clinical Pathology or the American Medical Technologists are two of the institutions that offer different certification options for medical laboratory technologists.

Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary In Canada, Australia And The United Kingdom

In Canada, a medical laboratory technologist gets a median yearly salary of around Cad$55,000, while in Australia these professionals are paid with around Au$28,00/hour. At the same time, in the United Kingdom the technologists get around 30,000 pounds a year.

Verdict On Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary

To conclude, becoming a medical laboratory technologist takes little over two years, and the salary is more than rewarding in most states of the US, given the short training period.

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