Medical and clinical laboratory technologists perform tests on patient samples to help diagnose disease and guide treatment. The work is precise, analytical, and grounded in science. You will need a bachelor's degree, but the field is in demand and offers solid career prospects.
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Medical and clinical laboratory technologists analyze blood, tissue, and other patient samples using specialized equipment and techniques. You will perform diagnostic tests, evaluate results against established standards, inspect and maintain laboratory instruments, and document findings carefully. The work requires you to make decisions about which tests to run, solve problems when results are unclear, and process large amounts of data with accuracy. You work in hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and independent labs, often as part of a larger diagnostic team.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists earn a median of $62,930 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 22,600 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You will need a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, or a related field. Your coursework will emphasize chemistry, biology, and mathematics, along with hands-on lab training. The preparation is considerable, involving both classroom learning and practical experience with laboratory equipment and procedures. After completing your degree, you may pursue professional certification to advance your credentials and career options. Entry into this field typically requires strong science skills and the ability to work with precision.
Most paths to this career start with a bachelor's degree program in laboratory science. If you are deciding between schools or want to map out your timeline, Pathly can map the medical and clinical laboratory technologist path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to find the right fit for you.
Many medical and clinical laboratory technologists must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to investigative work that involves solving problems through analysis and critical thinking. You enjoy working with data, following procedures, and ensuring accuracy in detail-oriented tasks.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).