1

Clinical Lab Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) Reporting to the Director of Laboratory Services, the Clinical Lab Scientist is responsible for following established procedures to perform routine and STAT clinical ...

Clinical Lab Scientist/Medical Technologist/Medical Lab Specialist (CLS/MT/MLS) Schedule: this is a full time, evening shift role. Your experience matters Memorial Medical Center is part of Lifepoint ...

Showing results 21-40

Clinical Lab Scientist information

See salary details

$42.5K

$94.4K

$153K

How much do clinical lab scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 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.

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 does a clinical lab scientist make?

A clinical lab scientist typically earns a median annual salary of around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the work environment, such as hospitals or diagnostic laboratories, and advanced skills or specialization may lead to higher pay.

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?

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.

What cities are hiring for Clinical Lab Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Clinical Lab Scientist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab Scientist jobs?

The most popular types of Clinical Lab Scientist jobs are:

What states have the most Clinical Lab Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Clinical Lab Scientist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 72% 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.

$66.98 - $77.62/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description


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 for patient diagnosis and treatment.
Every day you will execute a wide range of analytical procedures across various lab disciplines (hematology, chemistry, microbiology, etc.). You'll analyze specimens, operate/maintain instruments, interpret results, and conduct quality control, providing crucial data for clinical decisions.
To be successful in this role, you must demonstrate a strong scientific foundation, advanced technical proficiency, exceptional problem-solving skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Your paramount commitment will be to accuracy and regulatory adherence.

  • Demonstrates competency in age-specific patient testing for neonate, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients
  • Properly identifies patient, sample, and/or result and maintains sample integrity throughout the analytical and reporting process
  • Performs technical procedures accurately, correlating technical data and evaluating results for reasonableness, and maintaining required documentation
Job Requirements

Required

  • Bachelors Other degree in biological science, or US military equivalent
  • California Clinical Lab Scientist license
  • 1-3 years 1 year Internship in a hospital clinical laboratory
Where You'll Work

Founded in 1925, Dignity Health - Mercy General Hospital is a 310-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Sacramento, California. Serving over 100,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including heart care, cancer care, women’s health, and neurology. Additionally, Mercy General Hospital has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center.

One Community. One Mission. One California 


Pay Range
$66.98 - $77.62 /hour