Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians perform routine tests on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. They work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, clinics, and other healthcare settings, often under the supervision of a medical technologist. The role involves processing blood, tissue, and other specimens using laboratory equipment and following established procedures.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against medical and clinical laboratory technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Laboratory technicians spend their time preparing patient specimens, operating analytical equipment, and recording test results. A typical week includes collecting and processing blood samples, running automated analyzers, performing microscopy work, quality checks, and documenting findings in patient records. Tasks are often repetitive and procedure-driven, with attention to accuracy and adherence to safety protocols throughout the day.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy systematic, hands-on work and find satisfaction in producing accurate, measurable results. If you're naturally curious about how things work and prefer concrete problem-solving over abstract tasks, this career suits you—particularly if you value precision, can follow detailed protocols, and appreciate the direct connection between your work and patient care outcomes.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Maxwell AFB, Alabama · $50460–$65599
- Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) · Veterans Health Administration · Springfield, Missouri · $61722–$80243
- Medical Laboratory Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · $43982–$63736
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia · $51210–$66574
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Knox, Kentucky · $50460–$65599
- Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiovascular) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Multiple Locations · $65573–$85241
- Medical Records Technician (Coder) Auditor · Veterans Health Administration · Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job) · Remote · $69905–$90882
- Medical Records Technician (Office Automation) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Schofield Barracks, Hawaii · $38011–$49417
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $65,890 | $97,280 | $120,900 | 16,460 |
| Oregon | $62,360 | $83,010 | $102,950 | 2,660 |
| New Hampshire | $57,360 | $81,020 | $90,310 | 800 |
| Massachusetts | $54,020 | $79,120 | $99,130 | 10,850 |
| Vermont | $65,610 | $78,680 | $96,530 | 460 |
| District of Columbia | $58,600 | $76,560 | $102,560 | 960 |
| California | $56,700 | $76,010 | $89,480 | 29,210 |
| Rhode Island | $50,420 | $75,780 | $83,490 | 1,060 |
| Minnesota | $61,430 | $74,440 | $80,920 | 7,190 |
| Washington | $56,160 | $72,760 | $97,590 | 7,430 |
| Illinois | $53,820 | $71,950 | $82,880 | 10,330 |
| Colorado | $52,930 | $70,050 | $87,780 | 5,000 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) — American Society for Clinical Pathology
- Medical Laboratory Technician Generalist Certification (MLT(AAB)) — AAB - Board of Registry
- Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) — American Society for Clinical Pathology
- Medical Labratory Technician (MLT) — American Medical Technologists
- Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - Advanced (CCHT-A) — Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
- Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) — American Society for Clinical Pathology
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 9 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against medical and clinical laboratory technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.