Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for clinical laboratory scientist interns in the United States
Clinical laboratory scientist internship job and salary trends over time
Clinical laboratory scientist internship jobs over time
Clinical laboratory scientist internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,559 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,689 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,686 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,602 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,622 | 0.00% |
Average clinical laboratory scientist internship salary over time
Clinical laboratory scientist internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,794 | $16.73 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $33,848 | $16.27 | --0.7% |
| 2023 | $34,092 | $16.39 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $33,246 | $15.98 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $32,605 | $15.68 | +0.9% |
Clinical laboratory scientist internship jobs by state
Most common states for clinical laboratory scientist interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 335 | 48% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 282 | 45% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 592 | 44% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 302 | 40% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 412 | 39% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 379 | 39% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,294 | 38% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 513 | 38% |
| 9 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 317 | 36% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 3,133 | 35% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,909 | 34% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,072 | 34% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 352 | 34% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,771 | 33% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,180 | 32% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,333 | 32% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,981 | 31% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,118 | 31% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,213 | 30% |
| 20 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,974 | 30% |
Most common cities for clinical laboratory scientist interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Rafael | 1 | 2% | $58,591 |
| 2 | Santa Clara | 1 | 1% | $58,413 |
| 3 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $35,387 |
| 4 | Modesto | 1 | 0% | $57,738 |
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clinical laboratory scientist internship experts
Northern Michigan University
University of South Florida
Weber State University
Michigan Technological University
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud State University
Wenatchee Valley College
Agnes Scott College
Kettering University
Pennsylvania State University
Eastern Kentucky University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Palm Beach State College
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship?
Katherine Nelson MBA, MLS (ASCP): Skills that I foresee as becoming important in the 3-5 years include the ability to work with a variety of technology, strong communication skills between other laboratory and healthcare professionals and the ability adapt to change quickly.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katherine Nelson MBA, MLS (ASCP): The best way to maximize your salary potential within the MLS field is to gain experience. Take every opportunity to learn something and grow your skills within the field. Development of leadership and management skills will also be helpful to move up in the laboratory.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns increase their earning potential?
Katherine Nelson MBA, MLS (ASCP): My advice to a graduate beginning their career in the Medical Laboratory Science field, would be to take every opportunity to learn something new. Say yes to as much as possible and use every opportunity to amass a variety of different laboratory skills and experiences.
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA
Assistant Professor / MLS Program DirectorNorthern Michigan University
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, And Treatment Professions
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: Experience. I have found through my time in the realm that an experienced lab tech is going to be highly sought after and henceforth will have optimal pay opportunities. As the word implies, experience can only be achieved through 'time in the lab' which means you have to put in your time to gather that resume boosting element, experience. Once that happens, then even more doors open up in the profession.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship?
Dr. Kendall Morris Ph.D.: If you succeed, it is more wonderful than you could imagine. You get to find out things that no one else knows! You get to work with the best, smartest and usually nicest people in the world from all over the world. It’s likely that you will be required to travel, expenses paid, to amazing places with even more amazing people, some of whom will become not only colleagues but life-long friends or more like family. The pay becomes much better, though never what would be likely in other businesses. However, the pressure to acquire funding is ever-present.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kendall Morris Ph.D.: It is a great profession to enter now see 4 below, but ONLY if you think that doing anything else would be a waste of your life. The education is too long, the work is too hard and time consuming for too little pay for much too long. As many have found, if you are a resident of one of the many less affluent countries, wish to come to the U.S., AND have the drive and a love for research, you are likely to be welcomed here. For the time being, anyway. Few young people in the U.S. are willing to go into research. When I entered grad school 1988, all of the professors in my department were U.S. born. Today, about two thirds are immigrants.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kendall Morris Ph.D.: Same as above, but under mentor supervision.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): In Northern California, new graduates can expect to earn at least $125,000 right out of school, plus shift differentials and overtime pay. To maximize your salary potential, negotiate with the lab administration and highlight your strong points. Clinical labs often prefer hiring students with strong blood banking experience and skills, which can increase your earning potential. Additionally, having expertise in core lab disciplines (chemistry and hematology) or microbiology and molecular biology can make you a valuable asset and contribute to job security and higher earning potential in these in-demand areas.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): Focus on obtaining the necessary certification or board exam, such as the Medical Laboratory Science ASCP examination, as it is a prerequisite for working in a clinical lab. Start networking early by applying and getting to know the lab management at the hospital you want to work for, as competition can be high for new graduates. As a CLS graduate, it is imperative that you possess a strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as these are essential for accurately analyzing laboratory results and troubleshooting issues. In addition, brush up on your interview skills, including both soft skills and technical knowledge, to be fully prepared for job interviews.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns increase their earning potential?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): Clinical laboratory science is expecting a significant decline in the workforce due to retiring baby boomers and the labor shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this shortage, there will be an increased demand for skilled medical laboratory professionals, particularly in areas such as molecular biology, microbiology, and core laboratory disciplines like chemistry and hematology. In addition, you will need to be competent at laboratory automation and emerging technologies, data analysis and interpretation skills to effectively manage the increasing volume of complex laboratory data generated by advanced testing methods.
Dr. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are an integral part of the healthcare team as seventy percent (70%) of diagnoses come from laboratory results. On a day-to-day basis, the duties of an MLT can include collecting and analyzing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and accurately recording results for medical providers to review and consider when diagnosing patients.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Entering the field of Medical Laboratory Sciences is a wise choice, particularly now, due to the growing demand for healthcare services and the increasing technology in medical diagnostics. With an aging population and the continuous development of innovative medical tests and procedures, the need for skilled MLTs is more pronounced than ever. This profession not only offers job stability and opportunities for advancement but also the satisfaction of contributing to patient care and the well-being of the community.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Many MLTs appreciate the variety and dynamic nature of the work. They welcome the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from playing an important role in patient care. The profession also offers a good balance of teamwork and individual responsibilities, along with diverse disciplines and career paths. But, like any profession, there are challenges. Some may find the work mentally demanding and stressful, particularly when dealing with urgent cases or critical results. Others may prefer more patient contact than the role typically provides. It's also important to note that the profession requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict protocols, which can be taxing for some individuals.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: When starting a career in CLS maximize your salary through increasing your education, experience, and value. This can be done by staying up to date with the latest technology, testing procedures, and being a reliable colleague.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: Clinical Laboratory Science is a diverse field with many opportunities and a large amount of healthcare responsibilities. Much of what we do is unseen to patients, but the value is priceless. CLS graduates are involved in many areas including private and public labs, forensics, research and development, sales, teaching and instruction, administration, and beyond. A CLS professional is an integral part of the healthcare umbrella so they must be hardworking, diligent, proficient, and honest. In the lab always remember that a sample represents somebody's loved one, therefore we must treat all samples with the respect, care, and urgency we would want applied to our own patient care.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: The use of AI is on the rise in many fields including CLS. With this in mind it is important that the CLS professional understands the programing and how to use the tool to assist but not completely rely on in the laboratory setting. CLS professionals will also have to understand the mechanics of the equipment they work with to help with quick fixes to save money and time in their unit. With these thoughts in mind, it is important that CLS professionals are both knowledgeable of biological processes, testing, and application as well as being tech savvy.
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM
MLS Program Director | Assistant Teaching ProfessorMichigan Technological University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: This is a difficult one as most hospitals have standard pay ranges and a new MLS will start on the bottom of the pay scale. Sign on bonuses are always negotiable though. Also check the commitment length for the sign on bonus.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: Computer skills (everything is automated now, LIS, middleware, software, etc), the ability to work independently and troubleshoot instruments and problems on your own. As we automate more and more, techs will be working alone more often. Organizational and multitasking skills have always been important and will remain important.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns increase their earning potential?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: Be open to anything, you may not start in the exact shift or department you want to end up in but try to be flexible. You never know where your career may take you. Also, look at the culture of the lab before signing on to work there. Ask to shadow in the lab prior to working there. Talking to the staff before you commit can also help with your decision.
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP
Retired Assoc Admin of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineWhat general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Over the years with automation and autoverification - tools to assist the Medical Laboratory Professionals - the skills have altered from psychomotor behavorial to independent thinking and critical cognitive expertise. Soft skills are and will become even more prevalent - including Problem Solving/ Time Management/ Adaptability/ Communication/ Interpersonal/ Teamwork.
Medical Laboratory Professionals will continue to multitask at the workbench -
Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians must always seek accurate and precise quality standards with the most stategic highly regulated compliance of analytical laboratory testing.
But now must also come from behind the walls of the laboratory to collaborate and coordinate with other medical laboratory professionals as well as non-lab professionals to work as a team for patient care. Most errors are PREanalytical variables - (before laboratory analysis) with how specimens are incorrectly drawn - wrong tube type - incorrect order of draw - mislabeled - unlabeled - clotted - hemolyzed - QNS.
Furthermore - Laboratory professionals skilled at management must take a seat and have a voice at the c-suite. Supportive leadership for resourceful environments. Also medical laboratory professionals continue to become more acutely involved in POCT - Quality assurance - Safety - Infection Control - Risk - Education and even Public Relations. DCLS (the doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science) is also becoming highly sought out for Data Mgt Teams to markedly improve patient care.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Healthcare is very challenging now with shortages and burnout and stress and baby boomers resignations - but not without opportunities and options. New graduates - become professionally nationally recognized board certified - and apply all your knowledge and skills to the real world life experience for patient care. Remember - every specimen is a patient. Patient care needs accuracy and precision of quality standards of laboratory testing - by YOU - the Medical Laboratory Professional!
AND - Do not let anyone or anything discourage you. Find the place that will support and value you in becoming the best you can be for patient care. Pursue life, including this profession to its utmost with purpose, pride and passion!
Finally - become part of the national movement of Laboratory Advocacy - become involved in making a positive difference and impact on Laboratory Medicine ie join a medical laboratory professional society and/or become vocal in acquiring media attention and public awareness and industry respect and legislative support.
While complaining and venting releases anxiety - only constructive criticism and action will resolve.
Better to try than succeed at doing nothing. Become part of the solution - not part of the precipitate.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns increase their earning potential?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Today - Medical Laboratory Science - a degree with a career in Healthcare and Public Health as well as a solid strong foundation to many other careerS beyond Laboratory Medicine - is in high demand and very competitive.
Always negotiate for compensation commensurate with education and experience - especially where qualified board certified and also where Right to Practice Professional licensure mandates high quality personnel standards for quality standards of laboratory testing for patient care.
Use documentation nationally from professional societies and organizations - as well as locally with supply and demand among competing facilities due to severe shortages in Healthcare. Quality standards of laboratory testing relies on qualified board-certified Medical Laboratory Professionals. Patient care deserves no less.
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Biological Sciences
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship resumes?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Good standing on biochemical concepts.
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns possess?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Planification.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Pipetting, quantitative analysis, computer writing.
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns earn the most?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Commitment.
Patricia Ellinger
Medical Laboratory Science FacultySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns?
Patricia Ellinger: -Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Knowledge of quality control, ability to recognize when a test result looks wrong and what to do about it
Louise Millis
Medical Laboratory Science and Histotechnician Program Director, Associate Professor of BiologySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship resumes?
Louise Millis: Note, we offer a four-year degree, so these individuals are Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS). The Technician is the two-year level.
-Oral and written communication with others in the lab, lab profession (doctors)
-Ability to work alone or in a group (teamwork)
-Ability to follow directions
-Problem solving
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ask questions when need help: Know when to ask for help, the data matters, ask to confirm a test result if in question, before sending out
-Ethical
-Time management
-Self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
-Confidence without arrogance
-Leadership
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns possess?
Louise Millis: Understanding that a patient's sample is from a loved one. Results matter. They need to be perfect
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns?
Louise Millis: -Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Knowledge of quality control, ability to recognize when a test result looks wrong and what to do about it
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns earn the most?
Louise Millis: -Problem solving gives you the ability to see opportunities, to take on additional tasks or projects
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ability to work with others
-Work experience with the above and also furthering your education
-Work experience which enhance base knowledge and technical skills
-Educational
-MBA for some positions (depends on the size of the hospital), management
-MS/Ph.D. for some positions
-Depends on the size of the hospital
-Also, needed for an academic position, MS for some, others require PhD
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship resumes?
Patrick Tracy: -Good critical-thinking skills
-Good problem-solving skills
-Able to prioritize tasks
-Pay attention to detail
-Take a process from beginning to end
-Maintain focus for periods
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns possess?
Patrick Tracy: -Work well with a team
-Work well alone
-Communicate calmly and clearly
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns?
Patrick Tracy: -Ability to work with and repair instruments and machinery
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns earn the most?
Patrick Tracy: -I tend to think technical jobs like this to be fairly pegged to a salary scale rather than negotiable.
-Experience in most, if not all, clinical lab areas, but especially in blood bank and microbiology
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorAgnes Scott College
Biology and Neuroscience Department
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns possess?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Teamwork, leadership, working with a diverse team.
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns earn the most?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: A combination of the skills listed in 1-3.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship job market given the pandemic?
Daniel Ludwigsen: In responding to this and other questions, I'm considering the perspective of graduates from my programs, with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics or Applied Physics. Most of our grads are looking at full-time positions in engineering, particularly R&D and product development, or consulting/project engineering directly with their employers' customers. In sectors that are in demand, these positions are seeing an accelerated shift in the ways of working-just like we see in most professions. Working at least a portion of the week at home, less travel, more video conferencing, all force employees to sharpen their essential skills in communication, project management, and basically, working with diverse teams.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship 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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Tanea Reed Ph.D.: Although employment in the chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors are trending downward due to the current pandemic, the job outlook for chemists is promising. As there is high demand for laboratory technician positions to analyze COVID-19 samples using classical laboratory techniques. Many jobs are available for those with bachelor's and master's level degrees. Additionally, the need for those studying chemistry to work on potential treatments for the virus including other vaccines is great.
Dr. Rainer Glaser
Professor and ChairMissouri University of Science and Technology
Chemistry Department
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship 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.
Christopher Bae Ph.D.
Professor, Department ChairUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
Department of Anthropology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns?
Christopher Bae Ph.D.: Yes and no. Obviously, hiring in anthropology, like most academic fields, has become more difficult now because of the economic impact of COVID-19 worldwide. However, anthropology graduates are still managing to find job placement in postdoctoral research fellowships, cultural resource management firms, and non-governmental organizations. The applied areas of anthropology are where positions can still be found fairly regularly. Moving forward, however, I anticipate a rebound, like in most fields, of hires more broadly in anthropology.
What experience really stands out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship 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 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Benjamin Ford: Students taking a gap year should think about where they want to end up, both geographically and in terms of a career, and position themselves accordingly. That might mean moving to where they eventually want to live, taking a job to pay the bills, and volunteering with an organization to build local contacts. They should also work to develop the skills that will make them necessary in their intended career. The world became much more digital in the last nine months. We will likely return to many of our pre-pandemic physical practices, but aspects of our remote-everything existence will likely stick with us. Developing skills to be successful in a digital environment will be important.
What type of skills will young Clinical Laboratory Scientist Interns need?
Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska Ph.D.: Graduates [of all ages] will continue to need hands-on skills, the ability to work both in the group and individual settings, and, most importantly, be curious and teachable. Soft skills have taken on greater importance over the years, so we provide ongoing events for outreach, scientific communication, interview preparation, etc., to help provide students with ways to improve and grow their soft skills.
We are seeing scientific communications transitioning from in-person to remote settings, and our students are excelling at rising to the challenges. South Florida has a diverse life science career field, and our students continue to be well prepared to enter the job market and succeed in their career paths.
What experience really stands out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Internship 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.