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Entry Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Laboratory Scientist Location: Arcata, California Pay Rate: $ 1700 To $ 1900/ Week Contract: 13 Weeks Schedule: Night Shift | Wednesday-Tuesday Rotation Experience: Minimum 3 years required ...

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) * Or * Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist) - California Department of Public Health * Or * Clinical ...

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Entry Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist information

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$42.5K

$94.4K

$153K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level clinical laboratory 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 an entry level clinical laboratory scientist?

An Entry Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for performing laboratory tests and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. They work in hospitals, research facilities, or diagnostic labs, conducting tests on blood, tissues, and other bodily fluids. Their duties include operating lab equipment, analyzing test results, and ensuring quality control. Entry-level roles typically require a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, along with certification in some regions. This position is essential for providing accurate data to healthcare professionals for patient care.

What does an entry level clinical laboratory scientist do?

A typical day involves processing patient specimens, running a variety of laboratory tests, and carefully recording and analyzing the resulting data. You’ll work with automated and manual laboratory equipment, monitor quality control, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Collaboration is common, as you’ll interact with other lab team members and occasionally communicate findings to physicians or healthcare providers. The work is fast-paced but structured, offering plenty of opportunities to learn and build your expertise in clinical diagnostics.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an entry level clinical laboratory scientist?

To excel as an Entry Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you need a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field, a strong grasp of clinical laboratory procedures, and attention to detail. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), standard diagnostic instruments, and often certification from organizations like ASCP is expected. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and clear communication are valuable soft skills in this setting. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate test results, maintaining lab safety, and collaborating effectively within a healthcare team.

Are entry level clinical laboratory scientists in demand?

Entry level clinical laboratory scientists are in high demand due to the ongoing need for diagnostic testing in healthcare. The profession offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with certification and proficiency in laboratory techniques and equipment. Employment opportunities are expected to increase as healthcare services expand and aging populations require more diagnostic services.

Is becoming an entry level clinical laboratory scientist worth it?

Becoming an entry level clinical laboratory scientist offers stable employment opportunities in healthcare, with roles involving laboratory testing, data analysis, and use of diagnostic equipment. The position typically requires a relevant degree and certification, and it provides a pathway for career advancement in medical laboratory science.
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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist job openings:

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

The most popular types of Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% 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 Laboratory Scientist

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$59K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs complex diagnostic testing across multiple specialties within the Pathology and Laboratory Service at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. The role ensures accurate testing processes, maintains instruments, troubleshoots issues, conducts quality control, validates results, supports patient care, and manages lab projects independently.
Qualifications:Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must meet the following requirements:
Citizenship. Candidates must be citizens of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a).
Education. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required.
Certification.
  1. Candidates must meet one of the following certification options:
    • Generalist certification as an MLS from ASCP BOC or AMT.
    • Generalist certification as an MT from ASCP BOR or AMT.
  2. Exception for Non-Certified Applicants
    • Applicants may be hired without current certification if they meet one of the eligibility routes in Appendix A to sit for the MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT.
    • Non-certified applicants who meet licensure eligibility may receive a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2).
    • Non-certified individuals must work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level (FPL).
    • Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and cannot be promoted or converted until certification is obtained.
    • Temporary appointments for non-certified CLSs may not exceed two years and cannot be renewed or converted into another temporary appointment.
Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following:
  1. Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program; OR
  2. The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.
Note: Possession of a qualifying certification listed in section 4c automatically validates foreign education equivalency.
English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07
  1. Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09
  1. Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following:
    1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-07; OR
    2. A master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a closely related science.
  2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • Knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures.
    • Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
    • Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
    • Ability to work effectively as a team member and complete assignments.
    • Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
    • Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11
  1. Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following:
    1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-09; OR
    2. Three full years of progressively higher graduate education, a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a related science.
  2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • Knowledge of advanced professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories supporting independent work.
    • Knowledge of laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement.
    • Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
    • Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation.
    • Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
    • Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
    • Ability to communicate, consult, and interact effectively with healthcare team members, external partners, customers, and patients.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting (up to 20 lbs.), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, and use of fingers and both hands. Duties require walking and standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, and use of both arms and legs. Visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, and the ability to distinguish colors and shades. Hearing (aids permitted), clear cognitive function, emotional stability, and the ability to read ordinary type without strain are also required.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER