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Job outlook for clinical laboratory scientist trainees in the United States
Are clinical laboratory scientist trainee jobs in demand?
Clinical laboratory scientist trainee job and salary trends over time
Clinical laboratory scientist trainee jobs over time
Clinical laboratory scientist trainee job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,415 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,472 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,470 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,434 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,443 | 0.00% |
Average clinical laboratory scientist trainee salary over time
Clinical laboratory scientist trainee salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,285 | $22.73 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $46,000 | $22.12 | --0.7% |
| 2023 | $46,331 | $22.27 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $45,181 | $21.72 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $44,310 | $21.30 | +0.9% |
Clinical laboratory scientist trainee jobs by state
Most common states for clinical laboratory scientist trainees
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 333 | 44% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 296 | 43% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 336 | 39% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 223 | 36% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,109 | 35% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,817 | 33% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 441 | 33% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 314 | 33% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,008 | 32% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 339 | 32% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 317 | 30% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,584 | 29% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,429 | 29% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 388 | 29% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 991 | 28% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,512 | 27% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,745 | 27% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,546 | 27% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,076 | 26% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 799 | 26% |
Most common cities for clinical laboratory scientist trainees
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aurora | 3 | 1% | $48,859 |
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clinical laboratory scientist trainee experts
University of South Florida
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Michigan Technological University
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Weber State University
Saint Cloud State University
Wenatchee Valley College
Agnes Scott College
Adelphi University
Weber State University
Colby-Sawyer College
University of Minnesota
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Robert Morris University
Brigham Young University – Idaho
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee?
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 Trainee 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 Trainees 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.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee?
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 Trainee 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 Trainees 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 Trainee?
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 Trainee 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 Trainees 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.
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm
Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science and Phlebotomy ProgramsBloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee?
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm: You completed an MLS program and you have learned a ton of information in a short span of time. However, there is still so much to learn for Medical Laboratory Science! We recommend that you do your best to grow into the role, practice with a questioning attitude, participate and advocate for the field, consider joining our advocacy group - the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). If you have not taken your ASCP MLS BOC exam, we highly recommend that you do as a way to validate your learning experiences and to optimize your long term career growth.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee?
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 Trainee 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 Trainees 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.
Shelby McCarty MSNPA
Public Relations CoordinatorWhat Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Shelby McCarty MSNPA: Medical Laboratory Science is a rewarding career that is both exciting, yet challenging. As a graduate begins their career in the medical laboratory profession, we should be prepared to collaborate with colleagues in the laboratory and with other healthcare providers. Effective communication skills are crucial. We should be respectful of others' expertise and conversely share our own knowledge to foster a positive working environment. As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, we develop an acute eye for detail because precision and accuracy are vital in laboratory work. We must ensure that we are providing physicians reliable results. Furthermore, we should always adhere to the highest ethical standards, respecting patients' confidentiality and following established protocols and regulations. MLS graduates need to have excellent time management skills, as the laboratory profession often involves handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Lastly, graduates should continue to seek opportunities for professional growth and strive for excellence. Many hospital laboratories provide professional development or allow their employees to attend professional meetings.
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 Trainee?
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 Trainee 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 Trainees 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 Trainee?
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 Trainee 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 Trainees 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Pipetting, quantitative analysis, computer writing.
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees earn the most?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Commitment.
Dr. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees possess?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Problem-solving, critical thinking, work ethic, communication (verbal, telephone), teamwork, time management, organizational skills. Ability to perform in stressful situations.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Microscopy skills, ability to troubleshoot analyzers, general lab experience, and discipline-specific lab experience. Ability to perform high complexity testing in Microbiology and Blood banking.
Patricia Ellinger
Medical Laboratory Science FacultySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee resumes?
Patricia Ellinger: Note, we offer a four-year degree, so these individuals are Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS). The Technician is the 2-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 hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees?
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
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee 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
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorAgnes Scott College
Biology and Neuroscience Department
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees possess?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Teamwork, leadership, working with a diverse team.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees?
Tandra Chakraborty: The pandemic has hit hard, very hard on students in higher-ed. Due to COVID-19, 13% of students have delayed graduation, 40% have lost a job, internship, or job offer, and 29% expect to earn less at age 35. But, I still think that the pandemic era graduates will come out stronger within the next two years and will have a great vision for future years. We have all learned how to live minimalistically, acknowledge social norms, and have grown to understand the importance of college and university lives.
Matthew Nicholaou
Associate Professor and ChairWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What experience really stands out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee resumes?
Matthew Nicholaou: I think the thing that looks best on a resume of a new professional is experience actually working in the clinical laboratory. The coursework and certification exam can ensure the basic knowledge but that doesn't necessarily make a student a good technologist/scientist. There are numerous physical skills that need to be honed to become an efficient and quality laboratorian. Our program focuses on creating as many simulated clinical environments in our laboratory courses, along with a dedicated clinical simulation course, and real-world clinical rotations. Additionally students need to be problem solvers and critical thinkers; automation does so much in the clinical laboratory but you can never automate a knowledge laboratorian with a critical mind.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees?
Chery Whipple Ph.D.: The pandemic has severely reduced and limited undergraduate students' ability to complete internships, travel for a semester abroad, and participate in project-based courses (especially those that work with the local community or travel to other parts of the country). It is these experiences that truly resonate with the student and allow them to apply the skills learned in class, make novel connections, network with other institutions, and collaborate directly with others. While much work can be accomplished through online platforms, it cannot completely substititue for the long-term connection achieved from meeting in-person.
The benefits of in-person communication, especially at small colleges, is immeasurable. So much is communicated non-verbally. As a freshman, it is in the first year where students meet and make lasting connections with fellow students and new professors. Over time, a class camaraderie develops, fostering confidence in individual students such that they are comfortable asking questions and contributing to class discussions. Moreover, in science classes, many essential skills are learned by conducting experiments in a laboratory; skills that cannot be achieved remotely. Since the pandemic will likely span at least three semesters, many of our incoming students will need to work diligently over the next two to three years to become competent in the foundational laboratory skills we expect from a student graduating with a B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, or Environmental studies.
Once the country is open, the competition for job openings, study abroad programs, and in-person internships will be fierce. Undergraduates, in particular, will be vying for the enriching leadership and research opportunities that help them determine their career path as well as to set them apart from other fellow applicants who are (or will be) applying to similar jobs and/or graduate school. Ultimately, it will become challenging for recent or soon-to-be graduates to really stand out and thus may increase the length of time it takes to find a job within their field of discipline.
What type of skills will young Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees need?
Chery Whipple Ph.D.: The ability to be flexible and adaptable to new challenges has always been an asset to young graduates, however, in this quickly changing working environment it will be more important than ever. Being able to think critically, integrate information across disciplines, and collaborate with others will be essential skills. I think the pandemic has also shown that being able to rapidly learn and utilize new (and diverse) technology is not only a highly sought after skill, it is required.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee job market given the pandemic?
Janice Conway-Klaassen Ph.D.: For medical laboratory sciences, the pandemic has highlighted our career and who we are. The public now has a greater awareness of our field, but it has also provided additional job opportunities to help with COVID-19 testing. Although many graduates in other fields are struggling to find employment during the pandemic, our graduates have not had any trouble finding a job. There does seem to be an increase in part-time or temporary positions being offered at the start, but most have been converted to full time, permanent within a few months of hire.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees to find work opportunities?
Dr. Stacy Walz Ph.D: This all depends on what a graduate is looking for: urban vs. rural, fast-paced vs. slower-paced, larger facility vs. smaller facility, 24/7/365 vs. M-F 8-5, etc. There is something available for everyone in this country right now in the field of CLS.
What are the best companies to work for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee?
Paul Badger Ph.D.: Some of the best companies to work for are companies or industries with a long history of research and development in the general field of biology. Explicitly speaking, companies associated with the healthcare industry, life sciences, or environmental sciences usually hire graduates with degrees in science fields.
Those jobs are relatively secure with opportunities for advancement over the long term. Another occupation with potential for growth that traditionally hires biology graduates in the field of forensic science. The demand for qualified biology educators has been relatively steady over the years and offers another lot where biology graduates may find employment. Science is the driver for innovation in many areas, from technology to healthcare to agriculture, and design in these areas can lead to market growth and job creation.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainees in the next 5 years?
Paul Badger Ph.D.: The demand for skilled research scientists in the healthcare industry or related industries will almost certainly grow in the next five years. There is nearly always a need for entry-level positions, such as laboratory scientists or medical laboratory technicians. The recent increase in pressures placed on the health care sector will likely lead to more hiring as testing facilities, and analytical labs are expanded.
Nels Hansen Ph.D.
Department ChairBrigham Young University – Idaho
Department of Applied Plant Science
What experience really stands out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee resumes?
Nels Hansen Ph.D.: I think that the following areas stand out to employers when they review a resume. Students who acquire real-world experience in one or more (and hopefully more) of the following will likely have their resumes rise to the top.
-Irrigation planning and system management.
-Safe chemical handling and application.
-Pest identification and management.
-Soil and plant testing combined with plant nutrient recommendations.
-Data gathering, power, and analysis.
-Verbal fluency in Spanish.