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Clinical Lab Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Clinical Lab Scientist (CLA) Allied

Arcata, CA

$48.97/hr

We are looking for a Travel Clinical Lab Scientist Allied for a great Travel allied job in Arcata, CA. This Clinical Lab Scientist Travel allied job pays for 40 hours a week for 13 weeks. With ...

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Clinical Lab Scientist (CLA) Allied

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$49.57/hr

We are looking for a Travel Clinical Lab Scientist Allied for a great Travel allied job in La Jolla, CA. This Clinical Lab Scientist Travel allied job pays for 40 hours a week for 24 weeks. With ...

Mercy General Hospital

Clinical Lab Scientist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$66.98 - $77.62/hr

One California Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Clinical Lab Scientist, you will be a critical diagnostic expert, performing complex laboratory tests to ensure accurate, timely results vital ...

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Clinical Lab Scientist information

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$42.5K

$94.4K

$153K

How much do clinical lab scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical lab scientist in the United States is $94,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Clinical Lab Scientists?

Clinical Lab Scientists, also known as medical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, are healthcare professionals who perform laboratory tests on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They analyze blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily fluids using sophisticated equipment and techniques. Their work is essential for providing accurate and timely information to physicians, ensuring effective patient care. Clinical Lab Scientists must follow strict protocols and maintain quality control to ensure reliable results. They often work in hospitals, clinics, research labs, and public health organizations.

Who gets paid more, MLT or MLS?

Clinical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) typically earn higher salaries than Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) due to advanced education, certification, and responsibilities. MLS professionals usually hold a bachelor's degree and certification, which often leads to higher pay compared to MLTs, who generally have an associate degree and less responsibility.

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, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory procedures, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science and relevant certification (such as ASCP). Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control protocols is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help ensure accurate testing and collaboration with healthcare teams. These competencies are crucial for delivering reliable diagnostic results that directly impact patient care and treatment decisions.

How much do clinical laboratory scientists get paid?

Clinical laboratory scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on work setting, specialization, and additional skills such as proficiency with laboratory equipment and testing procedures.

What are some common challenges Clinical Lab Scientists face when handling high sample volumes, and how can they manage these effectively?

Clinical Lab Scientists often experience periods of high sample volume, especially during outbreaks or peak hospital admissions. Managing this workload requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with laboratory information systems to track samples efficiently. Effective communication with team members and prioritizing urgent cases help ensure timely and accurate results. Continual process improvement and adherence to quality control protocols also play a key role in maintaining performance under pressure.

What does a clinical lab scientist do?

A clinical lab scientist, also known as a medical laboratory technologist, performs laboratory tests on blood, tissue, and other specimens to help diagnose, treat, and monitor diseases. They operate complex equipment, analyze test results, and ensure quality control in a laboratory setting, often requiring certification and attention to safety protocols.

What Does a Clinical Lab Scientist Do?

As a clinical lab scientist, you work in a laboratory to process tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Your duties may include monitoring test quality, analyzing tissue, cells, and body fluids, working with other lab staff, and communicating results to physicians. You identify bacteria and viruses, ensure proper handling of blood and potentially biologically hazardous materials, prepare lab tests, organize samples, review drug levels and toxicology, and make conclusions from test results. A clinical lab scientist typically works for a clinic, doctor's office, research lab, or a diagnostic lab.

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

AspectClinical Lab ScientistMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in medical technology or related field, certification (ASCP, AMT)Associate's degree in medical laboratory technology, certification (ASCP, AMT)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesHospitals, clinics, smaller labs
Job ResponsibilitiesPerform complex tests, analyze results, supervise lab staffPrepare samples, perform routine tests, maintain equipment

Clinical Lab Scientists and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings and require certification. However, Clinical Lab Scientists typically hold a bachelor's degree and perform more complex testing and analysis, often supervising others. Medical Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate's degree and focus on routine testing and sample preparation. Both roles are essential in healthcare diagnostics, but Clinical Lab Scientists generally have a broader scope of responsibilities.

Where do CLS get paid the most?

Clinical Lab Scientists tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with a high cost of living and strong healthcare industries, such as metropolitan areas or states with advanced medical facilities. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the specific employer, with some states offering higher compensation due to demand for skilled laboratory professionals.
More about Clinical Lab Scientist jobs
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Clinical Lab Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,420 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS)

Tenet North Cal

Turlock, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Tenet North Cal is seeking a Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) for a job in Turlock, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS)
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours
  • Employment Type: Staff

Shift: Rotate

Job Type: Full Time

Responsible for correctly performing technical procedures and Quality Control in the Clinical Lab; operating and maintaining instrumentation and taking steps necessary to assure accurate reports; phlebotomy and clerical tasks as needed; performing tasks as needed.

  • Licensed by the State of California Dept. of Health Services
  • ASCP Registry recommended

#LI-KB6

Tenet North Cal Job ID #2603014964. Posted job title: Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS)

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