Clinical Laboratory & Pathology salary guide

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Published BLS wages for this family. BLS OEWS May 2025.

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS, Medical Technologist, CLS, Med Tech) SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Microbiology Technologist SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Blood Bank Technologist (Transfusion Services Tech) SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Molecular Diagnostics Technologist SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Histotechnologist (HTL) SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Histotechnician (HT) SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Cytotechnologist SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Phlebotomist (Phlebotomy Tech, Lab Tech Phlebotomy) SOC 31-9097, Phlebotomists. direct match.
Lab Assistant / Specimen Processor (Lab Aide, Accessioner) SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Point-of-Care Testing Coordinator (POCT) SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Laboratory Supervisor (Section Lead, Lead Technologist) SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.
Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist SOC 29-2010, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. broader match.

What does a clinical laboratory or pathology hire handle on a normal shift?

These hires keep specimens moving from receipt to result. They check labels, enter work, run tests, watch flags, and release findings within their scope. In pathology settings, the work can also include tissue prep, staining, slide handling, and handoff notes for the pathologist.

We ask who owns each step on the bench and what goes to a supervisor or pathologist. That answer changes by section and shift. It also tells us how much independent work the person can take on before review.

Which roles fit outpatient, hospital, and reference lab work?

A Medical Laboratory Scientist may work chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, or special testing. A Medical Laboratory Technician may support many of those benches with more routine work and closer oversight. Phlebotomists, accessioners, and lab assistants keep collection and intake organized.

In outpatient settings, the day often centers on scheduled draws and steady specimen intake. In hospitals, evenings, nights, and weekends can bring urgent add-ons and send-outs. Reference labs may ask for steady bench work, courier handoff, and careful tracking across many specimens.

What changes when the opening is in microbiology, blood bank, or molecular testing?

Each section asks for specific bench experience. Microbiology may include culture setup, plate reading, and report support. Blood bank work can include type and screen steps, crossmatch processing, and issue coordination. Molecular testing often adds sample prep, instrument checks, and result review before sign-off.

We ask whether the person has worked that section alone or with a rotating team. We also ask who reviews unusual findings and who contacts the provider. That helps us see where the hire can work with less oversight and where they will need backup.

How do histology and cytology jobs differ from general lab roles?

Histotechnologists and histotechnicians spend much of the day preparing tissue for review. That can include embedding, sectioning, staining, slide labeling, and tracking work through the process. Cytotechnologists focus on slide review and reporting support within their scope.

These roles need close attention to sample identity and workflow order. We ask how the person handles rushed cases, special stains, and handoffs with pathology staff. It also helps to ask which instruments and staining methods they used most often.

What does a supervisor, lead, or POCT coordinator actually do on site?

A laboratory supervisor or section lead still works near the bench, but they also direct daily work. They answer staffing questions, watch pending work, review quality issues, and step in when a shift falls behind. A POCT coordinator keeps device oversight and site communication organized.

We ask who writes the daily assignment, who handles staffing gaps, and who speaks with nursing units or clinic managers. The role may also include training, audit follow-up, and documentation review. It helps to know how much direct bench time stays in the week.

What should we ask before we hire for a lab or pathology opening?

Start with the bench, the shift, and the review line. Ask which instruments, specimen types, and test sections the person handled most recently. Then ask how they document work, report problems, and escalate results that fall outside routine steps.

It also helps to ask about schedule fit, weekend coverage, and whether the person can work alone or needs close oversight. For physician-owners and hiring managers, the key is matching the role to the daily workload, not the title alone.

What else should you ask about this edition?

How do we think about MLS and MLT openings differently?

An MLS usually handles broader testing and more independent review within scope. An MLT often supports similar benches with more routine tasks and closer oversight. We ask which sections the site needs covered and who signs off on work at the end of the shift.

What matters most for a blood bank hire?

We look for direct transfusion services experience. The person should know how your lab handles typing, crossmatch work, and urgent issue calls. We also ask who is available to review unusual cases during evenings and weekends.

Do phlebotomy and accessioning jobs need the same background?

No, a phlebotomist spends more time with collection and patient contact, while an accessioner works on intake, labeling, and specimen routing. The right match depends on whether the opening starts at the draw chair or at specimen receipt.

What should we ask for a lead or supervisor opening?

Ask how the person assigns work, handles missed steps, and speaks with pathologists or outside departments. You should also ask how much bench coverage the role carries each day. That tells you whether the hire is really a lead, a backfill, or both.