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Clinical Lab Science Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Clinical Lab Science information

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$79

How much do clinical lab science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab science in Seattle, WA is $40.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $52.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is becoming a clinical lab scientist worth it?

A clinical lab scientist plays a vital role in healthcare by performing diagnostic tests and analyzing samples using laboratory equipment. The profession offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization, often requiring certification and a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field.

What is the difference between Clinical Lab Science vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectClinical Lab ScienceMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or related fieldAssociate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs
Job RoleOversees lab testing, supervises technicians, interprets resultsPerforms laboratory tests, prepares samples, reports findings

Clinical Lab Science professionals typically hold a bachelor's degree and have broader responsibilities, including supervision and interpretation. Medical Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate's degree and focus on performing tests and preparing samples. Both roles work in similar environments, but Clinical Lab Scientists often have more advanced training and responsibilities.

What is a clinical lab scientist?

Clinical Lab Scientists, also known as medical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, are healthcare professionals who perform laboratory tests on patient samples such as blood, urine, and tissue. These tests help doctors diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases by providing critical information about a patient’s health. Clinical Lab Scientists use sophisticated equipment and follow strict protocols to ensure accurate and reliable results. Their work is essential for nearly every aspect of patient care in hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical lab scientists, and how are they typically addressed?

Clinical Lab Scientists often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, maintaining accuracy under time constraints, and keeping up with rapidly advancing technology. To address these, labs typically implement robust quality control protocols, encourage ongoing professional development, and utilize automation to streamline repetitive tasks. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals and clear communication also help ensure that lab results are delivered accurately and efficiently, supporting patient care.

How much money do clinical lab scientists make?

Clinical lab scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can increase with specialization, advanced degrees, and working in high-demand areas or specialized laboratories.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical lab scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Lab Scientist, a solid background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques is required, usually obtained through a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field and professional certification (such as ASCP). Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control protocols is essential for accurate diagnostics. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help ensure precise test results and smooth collaboration with healthcare teams. These abilities are vital for reliable patient diagnoses and maintaining the integrity and safety of the laboratory environment.

What can I do with a clinical lab science degree?

A clinical lab science degree prepares individuals to work as medical laboratory technologists or scientists, performing diagnostic tests on patient samples in hospitals, clinics, or laboratories. Graduates can specialize in areas such as microbiology, hematology, or clinical chemistry and often need certification or licensing to practice. The role involves operating laboratory equipment, analyzing data, and ensuring accurate test results to support patient care.
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Science job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,638 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Transfusion SVCS/Tissue MGR)

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA

Tacoma, WA • On-site, Remote

$97K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Defense Health Agency rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
About the Position: This position is located at Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma Washington.
  • A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized.
  • Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Serve as a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist providing complex immunohematology testing and technical leadership
  • Reviews and evaluates test results for accuracy and clinical relevance
  • Assists with workload distribution, troubleshooting testing issues, and ensuring continuity of operations during high-volume or emergency situations
  • Coordinates daily tissue program activities to ensure safe receipt, storage, issue, use, and disposition of tissue products

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position has a mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirement and is subject to annual vaccinations.
  • Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
  • This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • This position is required to work uncommon tours of duty hours such as, on-call, working either fixed or rotating shifts, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
  • This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
  • Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Medical Technologist or Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs or their designee as a Medical Technologist or Medical Lab Scientist is required.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Transfusion SVCS/Tissue MGR):
A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
OR
B. At least a full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. The professional medical technology curriculum may have consisted of a 1-year post- bachelor's certificate program or the last 1 or 2 years of a 4-year program of study culminating in a bachelor's in medical technology.
OR
C. A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university that included 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, microbiology, Immunology and Urinalysis/Body Fluids. This combination of education and experience must have provided knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of medical technology equivalent to that provided by the full 4-year course of study described in A or B above. All science and mathematics courses must have been acceptable for credit toward meeting the requirements for a science major at an accredited college or university. Acceptable experience is responsible professional or technician experience in a hospital laboratory, health agency, industrial medical laboratory, or pharmaceutical house; or teaching, test development, or medical research program experience that provided an understanding of the methods and techniques applied in performing professional clinical laboratory work. Certification/licensure as a medical technologist (generalist) obtained through written examination by a nationally recognized credentialing agency or State licensing body is a good indication that the quality of experience is acceptable.
Evaluation of Education and Experience: The four major areas of clinical laboratory science are microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and immunohematology (blood banking). Qualifying course work in these areas includes bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, tissue culture, virology, parasitology, endocrinology, enzymology, toxicology, urinalysis, coagulation, hemostasis, cell morphology, immunology, serology, immunoserology, immuno-deficiency, hemolysis, histocompatibility, cyto-genetics, and similar disciplines or areas of laboratory practice.
Related fields include physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, cell biology, embryology, pathology, genetics, pharmacology, histology, cytology, nuclear medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, infection control, physics, statistics, and similar areas of science where the work is directly related to the position to be filled.
Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee occupying a position in the 0644 occupational series and have been continuously employed in this occupational series since September 27, 2017 or before. Note: You will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the respective Human Resources Office to validate your status.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes performing complex immunohematological testing, conducting quality control in accordance with established procedures, and resolving operational issues. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09).
OR
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Medical Laboratory Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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