Most laboratory professionals (81%) reported making between $50,000 and $150,000 according to the Medical Laboratory Observer’s (MLO) 2024 annual salary survey of laboratory professionals. The most reported salary range was $75,000 to $99,999 (37% of survey respondents). As the need for laboratory diagnostic procedures increases, medical laboratory scientists and other laboratory professionals are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for medical laboratory scientists and other lab professionals to grow "about as fast as average" for all occupations through 2033 with approximately 24,200 openings in the field over the next decade.
Job function, location, education, employer and ASCP(MLS) certification can have a significant impact on earnings.
Laboratory professionals working as laboratory directors, managers, administrators
or supervisors tend to be more highly compensated than others.
According to the 2024 MLO survey, half of survey respondents reported holding bachelor's degrees and 39% held post-graduate degrees. Additionally nearly half of those surveyed reported taking more than 11 continuing education classes in the past year.
The BLS reports higher salaries for lab professionals in general medical and surgical hospitals. Physician offices and other ambulatory healthcare services were the lowest paying.
An American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification signifies that a medical laboratory scientist has met established education, clinical competency and experience requirements. More experience typically correlates with higher pay.
Though potential earnings may factor into the decision to pursue a career as a medical laboratory scientist, Karen Giddens, MS, MLS(ASCP), director of the master’s program in medical laboratory science at PCOM Georgia, advises prospective students to weigh other important criteria.
“This profession requires a high level of problem-solving skills,” Giddens said. “A large part of everyday tasks involves troubleshooting, deductive reasoning, and sequential thought processes to arrive at a conclusive result that impacts patient centered treatment or diagnosis. Medical laboratory science requires knowledge, comprehension of theory, and precise laboratory skill sets, but equally important, when and how to apply it.”
A passion for human science and a desire to help humanity are also important attributes for a future medical laboratory scientist, Giddens added.
PCOM’s master’s degree in medical laboratory science is designed to help students acquire the skills and knowledge needed for careers as medical laboratory scientists. PCOM offers two options for aspiring laboratory professionals:
Medical laboratory scientists are vital healthcare team members. They provide accurate, reliable test results that aid in diagnosis and help facilitate positive outcomes for patients. Learn more about this healthcare field and how you can take the next step toward a rewarding career as a medical laboratory scientist:
Last updated Oct. 19, 2024
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