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Clinical Lab Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Laboratory (Laboratory) Shift: 8 Hour Days Need Specifics: PERM POSITION -- Lab Director to work Mon-Fri 7A-3P or 8A-5P (needs to be flexible on hours) and rotating weekends on call. Looking ...

Lab Director Specialty: Clinical Laboratory (Laboratory) Shift: 8 Hour Days Need Specifics: PERM POSITION -- Lab Director to work Mon-Fri 7A-3P or 8A-5P (needs to be flexible on hours) and rotating ...

Lab Director Specialty: Clinical Laboratory (Laboratory) Shift: 8 Hour Days Need Specifics: PERM POSITION -- Lab Director to work Mon-Fri 7A-3P or 8A-5P (needs to be flexible on hours) and rotating ...

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Clinical Lab Director information

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$15

$64

$87

How much do clinical lab director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab director in the United States is $64.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59.13 and $74.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a laboratory director make in the US?

A Clinical Lab Director in the US typically earns between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the laboratory. Salaries may also include benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans, and require relevant certifications like a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS).

What does a Clinical Lab Director do?

A Clinical Lab Director oversees the operations of a clinical laboratory, ensuring that all testing is accurate, efficient, and complies with regulatory standards. They are responsible for managing staff, developing laboratory policies, maintaining quality control, and ensuring patient safety. The director also collaborates with healthcare professionals to interpret laboratory results and implement new technologies or procedures. Their leadership is crucial for maintaining high standards in laboratory services and supporting patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clinical Lab Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Lab Director, you need a deep knowledge of laboratory science, strong leadership abilities, and typically a graduate degree in a related field along with appropriate licensure or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), quality assurance protocols, and regulatory standards such as CLIA and CAP accreditation is essential. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills help in managing teams and ensuring compliance. These competencies are vital for maintaining high-quality laboratory operations, meeting regulatory requirements, and delivering accurate diagnostic results.

What is the difference between Clinical Lab Director vs Medical Laboratory Scientist?

AspectClinical Lab DirectorMedical Laboratory Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a medical degree, certification (e.g., ASCP), and management experienceRequires a bachelor's degree in medical technology or related field, certification (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentOversees laboratory operations, manages staff, ensures compliancePerforms laboratory tests, analyzes samples, reports results
Employer & IndustryHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories

The Clinical Lab Director focuses on managing laboratory operations and ensuring quality standards, while the Medical Laboratory Scientist performs the testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in the laboratory setting but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What does a clinical laboratory director do?

A clinical laboratory director oversees the operations of a medical laboratory, ensuring accurate and timely test results, compliance with regulatory standards, and proper staff management. They typically hold advanced certifications such as a medical license or certification as a medical technologist and are responsible for quality control, safety protocols, and laboratory accreditation. The role often requires strong leadership, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with laboratory information systems.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest paying roles are often senior management positions such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Medical Officers, who oversee operations, ensure compliance, and set strategic goals. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and certifications, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the size and type of the laboratory.

What are the qualifications for a CLIA waived lab director?

A Clinical Lab Director overseeing a CLIA-waived laboratory must typically hold a current medical license or a relevant state license, and have appropriate education or experience in laboratory testing. They must ensure compliance with CLIA regulations and may need to complete specific training or certification related to waived testing procedures.

How does a Clinical Lab Director typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure quality patient outcomes?

A Clinical Lab Director plays a crucial role in interdisciplinary collaboration by working closely with physicians, pathologists, and nursing staff to interpret lab results and address any discrepancies. They regularly participate in clinical meetings, provide guidance on test selection, and ensure that laboratory practices meet regulatory standards. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for timely and accurate diagnoses, making the director a key liaison between the laboratory and clinical staff. This collaborative environment helps maintain high-quality patient care and supports continuous improvement within the lab.
More about Clinical Lab Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Clinical Lab Director jobs? Cities with the most Clinical Lab Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab jobs? The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs are:
What states have the most Clinical Lab Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Clinical Lab Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,713 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

HOSPITAL LAB DIRECTOR (ASCP)

Progeny HR Solutions LLC

Smyrna, TN

$98K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES-

Hospital Lab Director

HOSP LAB DIR (ASCP)

Full-Time

Hospital Lab Director candidates will have the following job responsibilities:

  • Directs operations, programs and activities to meet organizational and regulatory requirements and to drive innovation.
  • Ensures adequate and qualified staffing for the department through timeliness and consistency of staff hiring, orientation, competency, training, performance feedback and performance management.
  • Develops and recognizes staff through coaching and regular feedback.
  • Serves as a role model for employee output and conduct.
  • Sets and executes department strategies to meet goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial, patient satisfaction and personnel management.
  • Proactively and regularly seeks feedback and input from internal and external sources.
  • Evaluates and incorporates feedback into the department improvement and planning process to improve care delivery.
  • Oversees the financial operation for the laboratory by monitoring resource utilization, identifying variances and opportunities, and adjusting as needed to meet service and fiscal goals. Prepares Monthly Operating Review report.
  • Assures compliance with standards set forth by accrediting agencies: CAP, JCAHO, CLIA, FDA and CMS.
  • Develops and implements policies and procedures and verifies annual review of all policies and procedures.
  • Manages key vendor relationships and supply contracts in coordination with Laboratory Services and Supply Chain guidance.
  • Develops and implements a communication plan to ensure that department personnel are well informed. Fosters open communication by offering, encouraging, and accepting suggestions from staff regarding department operations
  • Directs and organizes operations through the appropriate, delegation of responsibilities and authority in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
  • Monitors and evaluates the activities of the staff and provides management, coaching, guidance, delegation opportunities, and on-the-job training and re-training as necessary to ensure operational efficiency and adherence to policies and procedures


JOB QUALIFICATIONS-

Hospital Lab Director

HOSP LAB DIR (ASCP)

Full-Time

Hospital Lab Director candidates must meet the following minimum job qualifications:

  • Baccalaureate Degree in Medical Technology, Biomedical Science, Biology or Chemistry required.
  • Master's Degree preferred
  • National Certification as a Medical Technologist required
  • State license where required (CA, FL, LA, NV, TN) - required for submission
  • 3+ years or more of progressive laboratory management experience is required with complex laboratory operations
  • Leadership experience required
  • Hospital clinical laboratory experience preferred
  • This role requires you to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 based on local, state and /or federal law or regulations (unless a medical or religious exemption is approved).