Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are essential healthcare professionals who perform hands-on analysis of patient specimens like blood, urine, and tissue in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories.
Getting Started
How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician
At 2 years to get started, this is typical for Associate Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Associate Degree (typically 2 years) at an estimated cost of $25k–$38k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for medical laboratory technician practice.
Begin Working
Medical Laboratory Technician earn a median salary of $61k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Overview
What Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Do?
Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are essential healthcare professionals who perform hands-on analysis of patient specimens like blood, urine, and tissue in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. Working behind the scenes, you'll conduct tests that help physicians diagnose diseases, monitor treatment effectiveness, and make critical healthcare decisions. Your work directly impacts patient care, from detecting infections and blood disorders to identifying cancer cells and determining blood compatibility for transfusions.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Make?
At $61k/yr, medical laboratory technician earn less than the $74k/yr average for Associate Degree-level careers.
$61k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical Laboratory Technician | $61k/yr |
| Histotechnologist | $61k/yr |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | $61k/yr |
| Cytotechnologist | $61k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Future-Proofing
Medical Laboratory Technician Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 5.2% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 7.2% average for Associate Degree-level careers.
10-Year Growth
5.2%
Faster than average
Current Employment
345,600
jobs nationwide
AI & Automation Risk
Significant Risk
Medical Laboratory Technician roles face significant AI automation risk — below average among Associate Degree-level careers. Several core tasks could potentially be automated or substantially changed by AI.
Why It's Safe
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Repairing and maintaining electronic equipment
- +Developing and building teams
- +Coaching and developing others
- +Handling and moving objects
What Could Be Automated
- −Processing information
- −Working with computers
- −Getting information
- −Making decisions and solving problems
- −Documenting/recording information
Based on Pew Research + O*NET methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
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Sources
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- •O*NET OnLine
- •College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education
Data Freshness
BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12