Lab Technologist

October 30, 2016

Lab Technologist Job Description

Lab technicians are the back bone in a large amount of doctor’s diagnoses for their patients. The lab techs run test and analyses on the patient’s blood in order to discover problems that need attention. On a daily basis the largest percent of a lab techs job will be to inspect bodily fluids and cells and match blood for transfusions. Lab techs will daily use microscopes and cell counters for examinations of fluid.

Lab techs work forty hour weeks and do stand for the majority of this time. The busiest time of day is thought to be in the mornings with the work load decreasing by afternoon. This is not a job that is thought to be overwhelming by any means, but usually will have a constant work load.

Lab Technologist Salary Statistics as of 2015

Average annual salary for a Lab Technologist is $37443 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $57167. The lowest salary reported was $24900. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Median hourly wage for a Lab Technologist is $18.62 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $28.43. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $12.38. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Bonuses for a Lab Technologist are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $0 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $0 from people with under 1 year of experience.

These are the highest paying states for a Lab Technologist. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $34,590 – $50,421
Maryland – $32,293 – $57,527
New Jersey – $32,500 – $43,000
New York – $40,268 – $99,329
North Carolina – $28,000 – $48,611
Pennsylvania – $34,037 – $73,407
Texas – $34,286 – $52,500

These are the highest paying cities for a Lab Technologist. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
New York, New York –
Midland, Michigan –
Raleigh, North Carolina –
Alpharetta, Georgia –
Atlanta, Georgia –
Denver, Colorado –
Houston, Texas –

This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Lab Technologist from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $37443 while in 2007 it was just $34723.98

How To Become a Lab Technologist

The requirements to obtain a position in this field start with on the job training all the way to having a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Some facilities do on the job training, while others require at least an Associate’s degree. In order to be in charge of the lab a Bachelor degree is required by most facilities, which could be obtained while holding a position in the lab.

An Associate’s degree in this area falls into a two year time line. The Bachelor’s degree would fall into a four year time line, but either could be shortened by taking summer classes as well. It will be up to the student as to how fast the degree is wanted or in some instances needed.

While in school obtaining this degree a student should talk to prospective employers, getting their foot in the door. Meeting with hospital or clinic administrators will show that the student has a definite interest in working for their facility. The student may even be able to secure a position with the facility and be able to work for them in another position before graduation.

Job Outlook

Job demand in this field is projected to grow massively over the next several years. There is going to be an increase of jobs in this field by 2020 of approximately 14.7%. There are already approximately 161,000 jobs in this field, which means there will be an additional 23,800 jobs created.

This is a position to consider if someone would be looking for a career that has room for growth. Over the next several years there will be an increase of positions available, which is largely due to the opening of new facilities as well as the increase of the population all over the world. A lab technician job has the odds of no layoffs as well as options for advancement.

Gender Statistics

Related Jobs

52%

48%

Based on our stats gathered across the U.S. 52% of Lab Technologists were males while 48% were females. These numbers are based on averages across all states combined. Some individual states may have a much different ratio however.

Past Jobs

Medical / Clinical Laboratory Technician
$24,411 – $47,716
Chemical Laboratory Technician
$25,749 – $55,118
Research Laboratory Technician
$24,823 – $49,117

Future Jobs

Medical / Clinical Laboratory Technologist
$34,577 – $62,530
Laboratory Supervisor, Medical / Clinical
$35,774 – $79,205
Chemist
$31,665 – $72,440