If you’re looking to earn a good salary as a lab technician with a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to know what the job market is like.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are approximately 1.3 million lab technicians working in the United States, and their median wage is $37,040 per year. This salary can vary depending on the industry and location where you work—for example, if you work in New York City, your median wage will be higher than if you work in Chicago.
In addition to your salary, consider how much experience you’ll need and what kind of training options are available in your area before deciding on a career path.
Lab Technician Salary With Bachelor’s Degree
Medical laboratory technicians work in a laboratory to analyze human body samples such as fluids, blood, tissues and other substances. Those who obtained a bachelor’s degree are referred to as medical laboratory technologists. Some of these professionals can specialize in different types of medical analysis such as microbiology, immunology and chemistry. Salaries for this occupation vary based on experience, the region of the country and type of employer.
Average Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated an average salary of $58,640 per year for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2012. This compares to an average salary of $39,340 per year for medical laboratory technicians who have an associate degree or completed a postsecondary training program resulting in a certificate or diploma. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree allows medical laboratory technicians and technologists to perform more complicated laboratory tests, increasing their wages.
Employer Types
Medical laboratory technologists work for a variety of employers including hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, universities and the federal government. The highest levels of employment were with hospitals, where medical laboratory technologists earned an average salary of $59,360 per year, according to the BLS. Diagnostic laboratories paid an average salary of $58,340 per year, and the federal government paid an average salary of $64,100 per year.
Regional Variances
Salaries vary based on the need for medical laboratory technologists and cost of living in different regions in the U.S. California paid the highest average salaries of $77,550 per year. In the Stockton, California, metropolitan area, the average salary was $91,580 per year. In Michigan, the average salary was $54,410 per year, and in South Carolina the average salary was $45,140 per year. The highest levels of employment were in the New York City area, where the average salary was $65,060 per year.
Careers and Advancement
With experience and credentials, medical laboratory technicians can advance into specialized roles or a laboratory supervisor role. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 14 percent growth for these occupations between 2012 and 2022. Growth is about as fast as average for all occupations, adding about 22,700 jobs during that timeframe. An aging baby-boomer population and recent federal legislation will increase the demand for medical tests, which are performed by medical laboratory technicians and technologists.
2018 Salary Information for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians earned a median annual salary of $52,330 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians earned a 10th percentile salary of $41,520, meaning 90 percent earned more than this amount. The 90th percentile salary is $62,090, meaning 10 percent earn more. In 2018, 331,700 people were employed in the U.S. as medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians.
As a biology laboratory technician, you’d work alongside biologists to assist with their research. You will help conduct a variety of experiments and lab tests. Biology laboratory technicians typically are responsible for preparing and cleaning equipment prior to use. They also collect biological samples to be analyzed. These professionals must take excellent notes to document their process and results. They then interpret the findings and present them in reports. Biology laboratory technicians may work for the government or different organizations in the private sector. The following chart gives an overview of what you need to know to enter this profession.
| Degree Required | Associate’s degree; bachelor’s degree preferred |
| Education Field of Study | Associate’s: laboratory technician; bachelor’s: biology, forensic science, chemistry |
| Key Skills | Collect, test & analyze biological samples; write reports; maintain lab equipment |
| Job Growth (2020-2030) | 7% growth* |
| Average Salary (2020) | $49,490* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Education Will I Need for a Career as a Biology Laboratory Technician?
You will find the training you need at technical institutes, community colleges and universities. Technical schools may offer 1-year certificate and 2-year associate’s degree programs. You’ll also find 2-year associate degree laboratory technician programs at some community colleges.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers prefer to hire biology laboratory technicians who have acquired a bachelor’s degree in biology, forensic science or another area of natural science such as chemistry or physics (www.bls.gov). If you choose to enroll in an associate’s degree program, be certain that the credits are easily transferable to a bachelor’s degree program at a college or university. Your education will consist of classes such as zoology, botany, human physiology and anatomy, forensic biology, mortuary science and ecology.
What Will My Job Duties Consist Of?
As a biology laboratory technician, you may collect and examine bodily fluids for evidence of cholesterol, glucose or potassium to help diagnose medical conditions. You will prepare and inspect your samples, then write reports on your findings. Some of your research may involve determining the levels of chemicals in foods. You’ll use your skills to troubleshoot, maintain and set up laboratory equipment. Computers and even robotics will assist you in performing your daily duties. Depending upon where you work, your duties might also include conducting cancer research and studying contagious microbes.
What Salary Could I Expect to Earn?
The BLS estimated that biology technicians working in the scientific research industry averaged approximately $53,070 annually in May 2020. Professionals in the medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries earned an average salary of $53,070. Employees of colleges and universities were paid an average of $47,280 annually.
What Other Jobs Will I Qualify For?
Although some additional study may be required, a biology degree might also allow you to pursue a career as a laboratory manager, field biologist, animal nutritionist or biophysicist. You could put your training to use in a farming or forestry environment, or become a research technician or a forensic service technician. Veterinarian and bacteriologist are other options.
What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?
Chemical technicians, environmental science technicians and protection technicians are some related positions that require an associate’s degree. Chemical technicians assist chemists and/or chemical engineers testing and creating chemical products. Environmental science and protection technicians work to monitor and protect various aspects of the environment. Forensic science technicians are also related, but need a bachelor’s degree. These technicians collect and analyze samples from crime scenes.
