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Job outlook for clinical laboratory aides in the United States
Are clinical laboratory aide jobs in demand?
Clinical laboratory aide job and salary trends over time
Clinical laboratory aide jobs over time
Clinical laboratory aide job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 609 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 623 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 622 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 613 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 615 | 0.00% |
Average clinical laboratory aide salary over time
Clinical laboratory aide salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $38,421 | $18.47 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $37,377 | $17.97 | --0.7% |
| 2024 | $37,646 | $18.10 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $36,711 | $17.65 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $36,004 | $17.31 | --0.1% |
Clinical laboratory aide jobs by state
Most common states for clinical laboratory aides
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 286 | 41% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 235 | 31% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,600 | 29% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 386 | 29% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 304 | 29% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 254 | 29% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 854 | 27% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 168 | 27% |
| 9 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,721 | 26% |
| 10 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 770 | 26% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 461 | 24% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,908 | 23% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 241 | 23% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,003 | 22% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,305 | 22% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,229 | 21% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 880 | 21% |
| 18 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,979 | 20% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,478 | 20% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 195 | 20% |
Most common cities for clinical laboratory aides
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Urban Honolulu | 3 | 1% | $36,044 |
| 2 | Camarillo | 1 | 1% | $41,919 |
| 3 | Fort Collins | 1 | 1% | $34,734 |
| 4 | Inglewood | 1 | 1% | $41,267 |
| 5 | Victorville | 1 | 1% | $41,039 |
| 6 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $34,512 |
| 7 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $30,332 |
Clinical Laboratory Aide job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clinical laboratory aide experts
Pennsylvania State University
Eastern Kentucky University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of New Mexico
Palm Beach State College
University of Arizona
Southeastern Louisiana University
The University of New Hampshire's Central Science
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Clinical Laboratory Aide job market given the pandemic?
Patrick Drohan Ph.D.: The market will rebound in a way similar to the 1920s following the Spanish Flu pandemic. Coupled with the administration shifts, students in science fields especially will be well-placed for quick hires. There is also an age cohort now moving in retirement that occupied a pretty large percentage of positions and those jobs are opening up to entry-level hires. We are starting to see some of that now.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Clinical Laboratory Aides to find work opportunities?
Patrick Drohan Ph.D.: Depends on what they want to do, are they single, etc. If you are flexible and qualified you can land a job anywhere. If you are social, then moving to remote parts of Alaska might not be the best idea. If you are looking for a niche, having relative experience prior to applying will be important. There are lots of qualified candidates today who have impressive entry-level resumes. Women tend to be more qualified than men too.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Aide?
Dr. Tanea Reed Ph.D.: To a graduate just starting out, I would highly recommend establishing a list of short-term and long-term goals. Think about where they see themselves in the next 5 to 10 years and how they plan to reach them using SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). Additionally, if they have not already done so, they should set up a LinkedIn account as many jobs can be found on that platform. New graduates should plan on making multiple resumes that can be used when applying to different jobs based on the criteria (i.e., skills, academic, etc.). Lastly, I would recommend making a list of their "dream jobs and companies" and research the skills needed to perform the duties of their dream job and learn more about the company itself.
Dr. Rainer Glaser
Professor and ChairMissouri University of Science and Technology
Chemistry Department
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Aide resumes?
Dr. Rainer Glaser: Chemistry competence is key, of course. As a close second, chemists need to demonstrate effective team player competence. Communication skills are essential, in conversation and in writing. Effective collaboration requires highly developed skills to work with team members, peers, and leadership.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Clinical Laboratory Aides to find work opportunities?
Dr. Rainer Glaser: There are a few classic hubs of "big commodities chemistry" and "big pharma", for example. Interestingly, the chemistry enterprise constantly spawns new specializations and keeps getting more de-centralized with excellent employment opportunities in every state.
Christopher Bae Ph.D.
Professor, Department ChairUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
Department of Anthropology
What experience really stands out on Clinical Laboratory Aide resumes?
Christopher Bae Ph.D.: Field and laboratory experience, particularly involvement with projects that lead to eventual publications. Internships and field schools are great ways to get one's feet wet, so to speak.
What type of skills will young Clinical Laboratory Aides need?
Dr. Bruce Huckell Ph.D.: While the kinds of skills necessary for success aren't likely to change, how people learn those skills may shift to some extent from academic institutions to employers, again due to the pandemic.
What experience really stands out on Clinical Laboratory Aide resumes?
Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska Ph.D.: The Palm Beach State College Biotechnology Program is a very hands-on intensive training program that ensures our graduates are well versed in fundamental life science laboratory techniques and sterile/aseptic techniques and instrumentation skills. As part of our program, students can earn two College Credit Certificates along with an A.S. degree that includes an industry internship experience.
We are very fortunate to have an excellent relationship with our business partners who are familiar with our facilities, worked with us for many years, and are aware of the vast instrumentation and hands-on training our students receive. They continue to provide career opportunities for our students and interns.
What type of skills will young Clinical Laboratory Aides need?
John Wilbur Ph.D.: In the short-term, testing skills like PCR and ELISA seems essential, but I think the enduring skills or working with a team, writing, and other communication skills are most important.
Mohammad Saadeh Ph.D.
Department HeadSoutheastern Louisiana University
Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Clinical Laboratory Aides in the next 3-5 years?
Mohammad Saadeh Ph.D.: IoT and automation.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Clinical Laboratory Aides in the next 5 years?
Mohammad Saadeh Ph.D.: There will be an increase; however, employers will be looking for a unique set of qualities/abilities. Some of the trends have been: technical writing, sales, communication, besides the technical skills, which must be current with the evolution in communication methods that we are experiencing.
What experience really stands out on Clinical Laboratory Aide resumes?
Glen P. Miller: Research experiences stand out on a resume, especially those leading to scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals or professional presentations (either poster or oral) at scientific meetings. Internships and/or previous employment in the field also stand out.
How do you envision technology impacting Clinical Laboratory Aides in the next 5 years?
Glen P. Miller: The chemistry field is constantly impacted by advancements in scientific instrumentation, hardware, and software, especially those that cut across adjacent fields like biology and materials science. Job seekers should be well-grounded in current technologies while aware of recent developments and trends.