Search for Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs

To find the most current medical laboratory technician openings, start with the job search tool above. Preferred partners with a wide range of clinical laboratories, hospitals, and healthcare facilities nationwide, and we often have new lab tech opportunities that may fit your skills and career goals. If you want to be notified of the latest travel assignments, apply with us today and get matched with roles as they become available.

Med Lab Tech Job Responsibilities

A medical laboratory technician (often abbreviated as MLT)  plays a vital role in patient care by performing laboratory testing that supports accurate diagnosis and treatment. MLTs typically work under the supervision of a Medical Technologist or Clinical Laboratory Scientist and are responsible for the following tasks:

• Collecting, preparing, and analyzing blood, tissue, and other patient specimens
• Performing routine and specialized lab tests in areas such as hematology, chemistry, immunology, microbiology, and toxicology
• Operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment
• Following strict safety, infection control, and quality assurance procedures
• Accurately recording test results and maintaining detailed laboratory records
• Communicating findings to supervising technologists, pathologists, or physicians

These key responsibilities make med lab tech jobs essential to the healthcare system, ensuring timely and reliable lab results that directly impact patient outcomes.

MLT Salary Information

Pay for medical laboratory technician jobs can vary widely based on location, employer type, individual experience, and certifications. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• The median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was approximately $62K in May 2024.
• The lowest 10 percent earned less than about $38K, while the highest 10 percent earned more than approximately $98K per year.

Industry-specific pay can differ. For example, those working in general medical and surgical hospitals tended to earn higher average wages than those in physician offices or outpatient care settings.

MLT Employment Outlook

The employment outlook for medical laboratory technicians continues to evolve. According to the BLS:

• Employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow by about 2 percent from 2024 to 2034. This is slower than the national average for all occupations.
• Despite modest growth, there are approximately 22,600 average annual openings projected over the next decade. These MLT openings are expected mainly due to workforce replacement needs as current workers retire or leave the field.

Healthcare demand will continue as the population ages and diagnostic testing remains a key part of patient care. However, advancements in automation and laboratory technology may temper overall MLT job growth.

Medical Laboratory Technician Specialty Areas

Many med lab tech jobs begin with general laboratory responsibilities, but you can expand your career by gaining expertise in specific clinical disciplines. Specialization can enhance employability and may improve your salary potential. Key MLT specialty areas include:

• Clinical chemistry
• Hematology and coagulation
• Microbiology, bacteriology, and virology
• Immunology
• Immunohematology (blood bank)
• Toxicology
• Histopathology
• Cytopathology
• Genetics and cytogenetics
• Parasitology
• Mycology
• Electron microscopy
• In vitro fertilization (IVF) labs

Developing skills or certification in these specialty areas can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

 

If you would like more information about medical laboratory technician jobs or are ready get started, Preferred can help. Apply today and get connected with the right assignment for you.