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Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$62K/yr

Basic Requirement for Clinical Laboratory Scientist: A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level ... Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee ...

$61K/yr

Basic Requirement for Clinical Laboratory Scientist: A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level ... Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee ...

New

$62K/yr

Basic Requirement for Clinical Laboratory Scientist: A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree ... Exemption : You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee ...

$74K/yr

Basic Requirement for Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist: A Bachelor's or graduate/higher ... Exemption : You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee ...

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 ...

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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Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist information

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$42.5K

$94.4K

$153K

How much do exempt clinical laboratory scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for exempt 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 jobs can a clinical lab scientist get you?

A clinical laboratory scientist can pursue roles such as medical laboratory technologist, research scientist, laboratory supervisor, or quality assurance specialist. These positions typically require knowledge of laboratory procedures, instrumentation, and certification, and are often found in hospitals, diagnostic labs, or research facilities.

Is there a shortage of clinical lab scientists?

The demand for clinical laboratory scientists, including exempt clinical lab scientists, is generally high due to ongoing needs for diagnostic testing in healthcare. Job opportunities are often available in hospitals, laboratories, and research facilities, with a steady need for qualified professionals who have certification and technical skills. However, regional shortages can vary based on location and workforce trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you need a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field, along with a valid CLS license and a strong understanding of laboratory techniques and regulations. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the accurate and timely analysis of clinical samples, which is critical for patient diagnosis and treatment.

How hard is it to get into a CLS program?

Getting into a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) program can be competitive, often requiring a strong academic record, relevant coursework in biology and chemistry, and sometimes prior laboratory experience. Admission standards vary by program but generally include a minimum GPA and completion of prerequisite courses; some programs also require certification exams or clinical internships. Preparing thoroughly and meeting all prerequisites increases the chances of acceptance.

What is an Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist?

An Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist is a professional who performs complex laboratory tests on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. The term 'exempt' typically refers to their status under labor laws, meaning they are salaried employees who are not eligible for overtime pay. These scientists are trained to operate advanced lab equipment, analyze test results, and ensure that laboratory practices meet regulatory standards. They often work in hospitals, research facilities, or diagnostic laboratories, and may also be responsible for supervising lab personnel and maintaining quality control.

What is the difference between Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist vs Clinical Laboratory Technician?

AspectExempt Clinical Laboratory ScientistClinical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in medical technology or related field, certification (e.g., ASCP)Associate's degree or post-secondary training, often no certification required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesHospitals, clinics, smaller labs
Job ResponsibilitiesPerforming complex tests, analyzing results, supervising lab activitiesPreparing samples, running routine tests, assisting technologists

Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientists typically hold a bachelor's degree and certification, performing advanced testing and supervising lab work. Clinical Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate's degree and assist with routine tasks. Both roles are essential in diagnostic labs but differ in education, responsibilities, and certification requirements.

Are clinical lab scientists in demand?

Clinical laboratory scientists are in high demand due to the ongoing need for diagnostic testing in healthcare. Employment for these professionals is expected to grow faster than average, driven by technological advancements and an aging population requiring more medical testing. Certification and proficiency with laboratory equipment can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientists and how can they be managed?

Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientists often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, ensuring accuracy under tight deadlines, and staying updated with evolving laboratory technology and protocols. Balancing these demands requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Regular training, effective communication with colleagues, and utilizing laboratory information systems can help mitigate these challenges and maintain a high standard of patient care.
More about Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Exempt 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 Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Exempt Clinical Laboratory Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% 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.

$62K/yr

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Re-posted 22 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: This position is located at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Health Center and is responsible for performing professional clinical laboratory science work supporting detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Clinical Laboratory Scientist:
A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
OR
B. At least a full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. The professional medical technology curriculum may have consisted of a 1-year post- bachelor's certificate program or the last 1 or 2 years of a 4-year program of study culminating in a bachelor's in medical technology.
OR
C. A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university that included 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, microbiology, Immunology and Urinalysis/Body Fluids. This combination of education and experience must have provided knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of medical technology equivalent to that provided by the full 4-year course of study described in A or B above. All science and mathematics courses must have been acceptable for credit toward meeting the requirements for a science major at an accredited college or university. Acceptable experience is responsible professional or technician experience in a hospital laboratory, health agency, industrial medical laboratory, or pharmaceutical house; or teaching, test development, or medical research program experience that provided an understanding of the methods and techniques applied in performing professional clinical laboratory work. Certification/licensure as a medical technologist (generalist) obtained through written examination by a nationally recognized credentialing agency or State licensing body is a good indication that the quality of experience is acceptable.
Evaluation of Education and Experience: The four major areas of clinical laboratory science are microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and immunohematology (blood banking). Qualifying course work in these areas includes bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, tissue culture, virology, parasitology, endocrinology, enzymology, toxicology, urinalysis, coagulation, hemostasis, cell morphology, immunology, serology, immunoserology, immuno-deficiency, hemolysis, histocompatibility, cyto-genetics, and similar disciplines or areas of laboratory practice.
Related fields include physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, cell biology, embryology, pathology, genetics, pharmacology, histology, cytology, nuclear medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, infection control, physics, statistics, and similar areas of science where the work is directly related to the position to be filled.
Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee occupying a position in the 0644 occupational series and have been continuously employed in this occupational series since September 27, 2017 or before. Note: You will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the respective Human Resources Office to validate your status.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience which includes performing clinical laboratory diagnostic testing,
operating laboratory instrumentation, or reporting final results in the laboratory information system. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
This position has Selective Placement Factor which must be met prior to employment and for continued employment.
Certification:
Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologist (AMT) or other board or registry deemed comparable by Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (OASD(HA)) or their designee as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Lab Scientist (MLS).
Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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