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Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist Jobs in Seattle, WA

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Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$48.4K

$107.5K

$174.1K

How much do entry level clinical lab scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level clinical lab scientist in Seattle, WA is $107,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $135,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level clinical lab scientist?

An Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist is a healthcare professional who performs laboratory tests on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They work in hospitals, clinics, or research labs under the supervision of experienced scientists or lab managers. Their responsibilities typically include preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, and analyzing results while ensuring accuracy and safety. Entry level positions are suitable for recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field and, in some cases, require certification or licensure depending on state regulations.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and a relevant certification such as MLS(ASCP) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate test results, efficient workflow, and contribute to patient safety and quality healthcare outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level clinical lab scientists, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level clinical lab scientists often face challenges such as adapting to fast-paced laboratory environments, mastering complex instrumentation, and maintaining accuracy under pressure. Balancing a high volume of specimens with strict quality control standards requires strong organizational and multitasking skills. New lab scientists can overcome these challenges by actively seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, participating in ongoing training, and asking questions when uncertain. Building strong communication with team members and being meticulous with documentation are also key to ensuring both personal success and patient safety.

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

AspectEntry Level Clinical Lab ScientistMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related field; certification often preferredAssociate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesPerform complex lab tests, analyze results, ensure quality controlPrepare samples, perform routine tests, maintain equipment

Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientists and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings and require relevant certifications. However, Clinical Lab Scientists typically hold a bachelor's degree and perform more complex testing, while Medical Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate's degree and focus on routine tasks. Both roles are essential in healthcare diagnostics, but the level of responsibility and education differs.

Are entry level clinical lab scientists in demand?

Entry level clinical lab scientists are in high demand due to ongoing needs for diagnostic testing in healthcare. The role requires skills in laboratory techniques and often requires certification, with job growth expected to be steady as healthcare services expand and evolve.

How to become an entry level clinical lab scientist?

To become an entry-level clinical lab scientist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, or a related field. Certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), is often required or preferred, along with laboratory skills and knowledge of laboratory equipment and safety protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Clinical Lab Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 71% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,452 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Scientist, Core Lab

Seattle Children's Hospital

Seattle, WA • On-site

$38.81 - $58.21/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Seattle Children's rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 1,063 rated hospitals


Job description

Perform moderate to high complexity clinical laboratory tests in an assigned department of the clinical laboratory to provide physicians with rapid and accurate laboratory test results.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from and accredited institution, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Credentials
Eligibility for Certification by an agency approved by the U.S.
Department of Education or a National Commission for Health Certifying Agencies (NCHCA). Common credentials are granted by ASCP, NCA or AMT.
State Certifications are also acceptable.
Must obtain certification within six months of hire.
As per the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), for Clinical Lab Scientist performing moderate or high complex point of care testing, a copy of a diploma or transcript of the highest level of academic achievement to be on record with Human Resources upon hire.
For personnel trained outside of the U.S., records of diploma/transcript must provide documented equivalency evaluation by a nationally recognized credentialing agency.
Preferred
Clinical Laboratory Experience specific to the current opening.
Compensation Range
$38.81 - $58.21 per hour
Salary Information
This compensation range was calculated based on full-time employment (2080 hours worked per calendar year). Offers are determined by multiple factors including equity, skills, experience, and expertise, and may vary within the range provided.
Disclaimer for Out of State Applicants
This compensation range is specific to Seattle, positions located outside of Seattle may be compensated differently depending on various factors
Benefits Information
Seattle Children's offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 403(b), life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more. Additional details on our benefits can be found on our website www.seattlechildrens.org/careers/benefits.
About Us
Hope. Care. Cure. These three simple words capture what we do at Seattle Children's - to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. Are you ready to engage with a mission-driven organization that is life-changing to many, and touches the hearts of all? #HOPECARECURE
Our founding promise to the community is as valid today as it was over a century ago: we will care for all children in our region, regardless of the families' ability to pay. Together, we deliver superior patient care, advance new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research, and serve as the pediatric and adolescent, academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho - the largest region of any children's hospital in the country.
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Seattle Children's among the nation's best children's hospitals. For more than a decade, Seattle Children's has been nationally recognized in key specialty areas. We are honored to be one of the nation's very best places to care for children and the top-ranked pediatric hospital in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
As a Magnet designated institution, we recognize the importance of hiring and developing great talent to provide best-in-class care to the patients and families we serve. Our organizational DNA takes form in our core values: Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity and Innovation. Whether it's delivering frontline care to our patients in a kind and caring manner, practicing the highest standards of quality and safety, or being relentlessly curious as we work towards eradicating childhood diseases, these values are the fabric of our culture and community. The future starts here.
Our Commitment
Seattle Children's welcomes people of all experiences, backgrounds, and thoughts as this is what drives our spirit of inquiry and allows us to better connect with our patients and families. Our organization recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
The people who work at Seattle Children's are members of a community that seeks to respect and celebrate all the qualities that make each of us unique. Each of us is empowered to be ourselves.
Seattle Children's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace and Affirmative Action Employer.

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About Seattle Children's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Based in Seattle, Washington, Seattle Children’s comprises a leading pediatric hospital, research institute, and foundation dedicated to the care and cure of childhood illness. The system is internationally recognized for cutting‑edge clinical care in cardiology, oncology, genetics, and rare disease, alongside world-class translational research in areas such as immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1907