Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
O*NET 29-2011.00 · SOC 29-2011
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $63k a year with +2.7% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 20,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Analyze blood samples to identify abnormal cells or pathogens
- →Operate automated analyzers to perform complete blood count tests
- →Culture specimens to detect bacterial or fungal infections
- →Perform urinalysis and interpret chemical and microscopic results
- →Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments to ensure accurate results
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists is projected to grow 2.7% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·29% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist make?
The median Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist earns $63k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist jobs?
Our model puts Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist at 30 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 29% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 20,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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