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Clinical Lab Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Lifepoint Health

Clinical Lab Scientist

Hancock, MI · On-site

UP Health System Portage Clinical Lab Scientist Schedule: .6 FTE 48 Hours/ Week Your experience matters UP Health System Portage is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network ...

TEEMA Group

Clinical Lab Scientist

White Plains, NY · On-site

$63K - $120K/yr

Clinical Lab Scientist / Histotechnician Role Summary Join a high-precision diagnostic team dedicated to clinical excellence and patient safety. Whether functioning as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist ...

Lifepoint Health

Clinical Lab Scientist

Hancock, MI · On-site

As an Clinical Lab Scientist joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and ...

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Clinical Lab Scientist information

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$94.4K

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How much do clinical lab scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 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.
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Clinical Lab Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,420 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Clinical Lab Scientist

Childrens Hospital Of The Kings Daughter

Richmond, VA

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Summary

  • GENERAL SUMMARY
    • Reports to the Department Manager, Supervisor or Lead Clinical Lab Scientist and is responsible for following established policies, procedures, and regulations. Performs/assists with various clinical laboratory test procedures and ensures proper maintenance and operation of instrumentation. 
  • ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
    • Works with Manager, Supervisor or Lead Clinical Lab Scientist on a variety of laboratory projects.
    • Participates in PI, QA, and QC to ensure all regulatory requirements maintain an ‘in compliance’ status. 
    • Functions in a charge or lead role as assigned for the days operations to ensure safe quality and efficient workflow, practices, staffing and operations.
    • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
    • Certification as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist in all disciplines by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP).
    • CPR Training required and/or must be obtained within 45 days of hire for designated job roles.
  • MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
    • Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or equivalent.
    • Interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate effectively with physicians, nursing personnel and other clinicians relative to patient testing and information gathering.
    • Six to twelve months of laboratory training/job  experience necessary in order to become familiar with a variety of laboratory testing procedures.
    • Ability to resolve technical problems using standard guides and procedures. Analytical skills necessary in order to perform and interpret routine tests and recognize abnormal/critical test results.
    • Must be able to determine the appropriate course of action for abnormal, atypical or critical test results.  
    • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and other Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) software preferred.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS
    • Laboratory service areas have work environments with frequent exposure to physical discomforts due to unpleasant odors from specimens and chemicals. Frequent exposure to infectious agents when handling hazardous material, but potential for personal harm or injury is reduced when proper safety and health precautions are followed.
  • PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
    • Click here to view physical requirements.

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