1

Clinical Lab Scientist Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Clinical Lab Scientist information

See Renton, WA salary details

$47.8K

$106.2K

$172.1K

How much do clinical lab scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical lab scientist in Renton, WA is $106,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $133,900.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Clinical Lab Scientist jobs in Renton, WA? For Clinical Lab Scientist jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Clinical Lab Scientist jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Clinical Lab Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Scientist job openings in Renton, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,206 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Clinical Lab Processor (Full-Time/Evenings)

Overlake Medical Center and Clinics

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$22.22 - $33.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Overlake Medical Center rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 1,054 rated hospitals


Job description

Welcome to a medical center where you're the center of attention.

Pay range:

-

Hourly$22.22 - $33.33
Job Posting

Overlake Medical Center has an opportunity for a Clinical Lab Processor/Clinical Lab Assistant for our hospital lab. The Clinical Lab Processor/Clinical Lab Assistant will be responsible for processing workflow including, but not limited to specimen receipt and distribution, preparation for send outs to reference labs, and client service activities.

1.0 FTE (80 hours in per two week pay period)

8 Hour Shifts

Evenings: Monday - Friday 15:00 to 23:30

Main Laboratory

Qualifications:

Clinical Lab Processor

  • High School diploma or GED.

  • Prefer experience with laboratory computer system. Prefer knowledge of medical terminology.

  • Excellent people skills and customer service skills. Able to perform duties with organization, accuracy and flexibility.

  • Able to work independently.

Clinical Lab Assistant

  • License through Washington State Department of Health - Medical Assistant Phlebotomist Certification (PC).

  • Technical training /certification in phlebotomy.

  • High School diploma or GED.

  • Six months hospital experience preferred.

  • Experience with phlebotomy on neonatal, pediatric, geriatric, adult, trauma and critical patients also preferred.

  • At least two (2) years of phlebotomy experience preferred.

  • Customer Service experience preferred.

Clinical Lab Assistant II

  • American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) registration a plus

  • License through Washington State Department of Health - Medical Assistant Phlebotomist Certification (PC) required.

  • Technical training /certification in phlebotomy.

  • High School diploma or GED.

  • Two years hospital experience required.

  • Experience with phlebotomy on neonatal, pediatric, geriatric, adult, trauma and critical patients required.

  • Customer Service experience preferred

Why join Overlake?

We're proud to offer benefits that support you in every stage of your career and life. But it's our inspirational culture that has made us one of America's Top 150 places to work in healthcare for several years in a row.

  • Local, visible leaders who care about you.
  • A values-based work environment.
  • Medical insurance premiums as low as $0 per month.
  • Many Overlake services covered at 100%.
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year.
  • Generous retirement plan matching starting at 5% and increasing to 7% after five years with immediate vesting.
  • Pre-tax and Roth after tax retirement savings plans.
  • An expanded Employee Assistance Program.
  • A caregiver support program to help with everything from childcare to eldercare.
  • Free parking and Orca transit passes.

If this sounds like an environment where you'll thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

How much will this job pay?

Posted pay ranges represent the entire pay scale, from minimum to maximum. For jobs with more than one level, the posted range reflects the minimum of the lowest level and the maximum of the highest level. Some positions also offer additional pay based on shift, certification or level of education. Job offers are determined based on a candidate's years of relevant experience and internal equity. If you have questions about Overlake's pay practices, employee benefits or the pay for a specific position, please contact HR@overlakehospital.org


What Overlake Medical Center employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom