Medical laboratory technicians in Georgia earn $45,780 median — 25% below the national figure but still competitive for associate-level health care work. Georgia requires both national certification and state licensure, creating an extra licensing step that most states skip. With 11,340 MLTs employed statewide, it's one of the larger lab workforce concentrations in the Southeast.
Salary and employment data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Georgia
Georgia · Training Path
How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician in Georgia
Georgia's accredited programs span technical colleges to universities, with NAACLS-approved options from Clarkesville to Thomasville.
- 1
Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology
education2 years · $25,000-$38,000
Complete a two-year Associate's degree from a NAACLS-accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, including coursework in chemistry and biology plus clinical rotations.
- 2
MLT(ASCP) Certification Exam
training licensing1-2 months · $235
Pass the MLT(ASCP) certification exam from the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification to become a certified Medical Laboratory Technician.
- 3
Entry-Level Medical Laboratory Technician
career2-3 years ·
Begin working as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician, performing laboratory tests and procedures under supervision in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic laboratories.
Accredited Programs · Georgia
Accredited Medical Laboratory Technician Programs in Georgia
NAACLS accreditation matters more than program cost — unaccredited programs won't qualify you for certification exams. Ask each school about their first-time pass rates on national exams and whether their clinical rotations include the major lab types you want to work in. Class size affects hands-on instrument time during training.
7 accredited programs in Georgia
| Institution | Credential | Length | Estimated Cost | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Georgia Technical College Waco | Associate | — | — | NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences) |
| North Georgia Technical College Clarkesville | Associate | — | — | NAACLS |
| Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins | Associate | — | — | NAACLS |
| Albany State University Albany | Associate | 2 yr | — | NAACLS |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College Clarkston | Associate | — | — | NAACLS |
| Southeastern Technical College Vidalia | Associate | 5 yr | — | NAACLS |
| Southern Regional Technical College Thomasville | Associate | — | — | NAACLS |
Loading programs...
Last verified 2026-04-23. Program details — including tuition, duration, and accreditation — verified against each institution's official website.
Georgia · Licensing Authority
Licensing and Certification in Georgia
You must graduate from a NAACLS-accredited program to sit for certification exams — self-study won't qualify you. Most MLTs choose ASCP certification because it's preferred by hospital chains and reference labs. AMT certification works for smaller facilities but closes more doors. In Georgia, you'll also need state licensure through the Georgia Department of Community Health after earning national certification.
| Credential | Issuing Body | Type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLT(ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology)) | American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification | certification | required |
| MLT(AMT (American Medical Technologists)) | American Medical Technologists (AMT) | certification | alternative |
| State Laboratory License | State Department of Health or Clinical Laboratory division (varies by state) | license | required_in_some_states |
Georgia · BLS OEWS 2024
Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Georgia
After earning ASCP certification and Georgia state licensure, here's what the market pays.
Medical laboratory technicians in Georgia earn $45,780 median — 25% below the national figure, about $15,220 less per year before taxes. That gap reflects Georgia's lower cost of living but also weaker lab wages compared to states like California or Massachusetts where reference labs compete harder for talent.
10th
$45,781
25th
$62,962
Median
$45,780
75th
$82,139
90th
$98,363
| How it compares | Median | vs. Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia (you are here) | $45,780 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $46,260 | +1% |
| Ohio | $46,710 | +2% |
| North Carolina | $44,320 | -3% |
| Illinois | $48,110 | +5% |
| National | $60,780 | +33% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 11,340 employed in Georgia
HealthJob Analysis · Georgia
Is It Worth It? ROI in Georgia
Yes — $1.146M 20-year net and break-even by year 3 make medical laboratory technician a solid choice despite Georgia's below-national wages.
Year 3
Break-even
$1.15M
20-year net
$32k
Education cost
By year 3 you've earned back the $32k in tuition plus the wages you skipped while studying. From there on, every paycheck is net gain — which is why the 20-year total reaches $1.146M even after subtracting all costs. You break even faster than most health care paths because training costs stay reasonable.
20-year net earnings = cumulative income minus education cost and the years you weren't earning.
What the first 10 years look like
| Year | What happens | Cumulative net |
|---|---|---|
| Year 2 | In training. Net cost so far: -$32k. | -$32k |
| Year 3 | In training. Net cost so far: +$14k. | +$14k |
| Year 5 | Early-career earnings compound. Net +$135k lifetime. | +$135k |
| Year 10 | Mid-career median pay kicks in. Net +$471k lifetime. | +$471k |
A bachelor's in clinical laboratory science costs $40k more and takes 2 additional years to pay back. MLT in Georgia is the faster path to lab work.
Assumes Georgia median salary of $45,780, 2% annual wage growth, no loan interest. Does not account for cost of living.
HealthJob Analysis · Georgia
AI & Automation for Medical Laboratory Technicians in Georgia
The parts most exposed to AI are result flagging and basic pattern recognition — automated systems can spot abnormal values faster than humans. The safest parts involve specimen preparation, quality control troubleshooting, and instrument maintenance — work that requires physical dexterity and problem-solving. If you pick this career, focus on becoming the person who fixes things when automation breaks down.
Tasks that are changing
- AI handles major parts
- AI augments
- AI assists
- Human-only
Assemble electrical systems or prototypes.
Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions.
Set up and operate test equipment to diagnose and analyze electronics.
Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions.
Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or components.
AI handles testing via Kompass and assembly via Siemens robots; maintenance remains human-led.
Maintain system logs or manuals.
AI inspection systems like Jidoka integrate with ERP/MES for automatic logging, assisting documentation.
Compile and maintain records of schematics and repairs.
AI systems auto-generate logs via MES integration during inspections.
Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems.
AI products in use today
- C3 AI Reliability — C3 AI
- Kompass — Jidokasource
- AI robotics — Siemens
Georgia · Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do medical laboratory technicians make in Georgia?
- Medical laboratory technicians in Georgia earn $45,780 median salary, which is 25% below the national median. The 10th percentile earns $45,781 while the 90th percentile reaches $98,363, showing significant pay variation based on employer and experience.
- Do I need a license to work as an MLT in Georgia?
- Yes, Georgia requires both national certification (ASCP or AMT) and state licensure through the Georgia Department of Community Health. You must first pass a national exam, then apply for Georgia state licensure to work legally in the state.
- What schools offer MLT programs in Georgia?
- Georgia has NAACLS-accredited MLT programs at technical colleges including West Georgia Technical College, North Georgia Technical College, and Central Georgia Technical College, plus Albany State University. All require associate degree completion to qualify for certification exams.
- How long does it take to become an MLT in Georgia?
- MLT programs in Georgia typically take 24 months for an associate degree, though some schools like Southeastern Technical College offer extended 60-month programs. After graduation, you'll need additional time for national certification and state licensure applications.
- Is medical laboratory technician a good career in Georgia?
- MLT offers steady employment with 11,340 positions statewide and 5.2% annual growth, but Georgia's $45,780 median salary trails the national figure by 25%. The career works best if you value job security and consistent hours over maximum earning potential.
Sources & Data
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- •O*NET OnLine
- •ASCP BOC
- •AMT
- •State licensing boards
- •HealthJob AI Impact Analysis
- •BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
- •NAACLS Program Directory
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS State Data — Georgia
Data last refreshed: April 2026