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Job outlook for hematology technicians in the United States
Are hematology technician jobs in demand?
Hematology technician job and salary trends over time
Hematology technician jobs over time
Hematology technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 135 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 138 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 138 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 136 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 136 | 0.00% |
Average hematology technician salary over time
Hematology technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,167 | $23.16 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $46,858 | $22.53 | --0.7% |
| 2023 | $47,195 | $22.69 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $46,023 | $22.13 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $45,137 | $21.70 | --0.1% |
Hematology technician jobs by state
Most common states for hematology technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 129 | 17% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 86 | 14% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 405 | 13% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 161 | 12% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 158 | 12% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 102 | 11% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 93 | 11% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 704 | 10% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 545 | 10% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 342 | 10% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 177 | 10% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 633 | 9% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 520 | 9% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 488 | 9% |
| 15 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 640 | 8% |
| 16 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 472 | 8% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 247 | 8% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 237 | 8% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 152 | 8% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 62 | 8% |
Most common cities for hematology technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $45,611 |
| 2 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $55,271 |
| 3 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $55,478 |
Hematology Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of hematology technician experts
Northern Michigan University
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Weber State University
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud State University
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
Wenatchee Valley College
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Siena College
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Weber State University
Colby-Sawyer College
Eastern Kentucky University
University of Minnesota
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
University of New Mexico
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA
Assistant Professor / MLS Program DirectorNorthern Michigan University
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, And Treatment Professions
What will help Hematology Technicians increase their earning potential?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: I would highly recommend that the newly graduated lab tech does not limit themself to a specific location or a specific vocation. The places to work and the types of jobs available are nearly limitless. If one thinks outside of the box, outside of the mainstream lab tech opportunities, they'll find a whole host of other intriguing possibilities. So, do not limit yourself, the world is your oyster, .......so to speak.
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 Hematology Technician?
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 Hematology Technician?
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.
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP
Retired Assoc Admin of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineWhat will help Hematology Technicians 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. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What will help Hematology Technicians 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.
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Biological Sciences
What soft skills should all Hematology Technicians possess?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Planification.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Hematology Technicians?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Pipetting, quantitative analysis, computer writing.
Patricia Ellinger
Medical Laboratory Science FacultySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What hard/technical skills are most important for Hematology Technicians?
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 Hematology Technician 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 skills will help Hematology Technicians 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
Robyn Tarpley
Director of Health and Medical SciencesPennsylvania Institute of Technology
Health and Medical Sciences Department
What soft skills should all Hematology Technicians possess?
Robyn Tarpley: Patient Care, communication skills, phone etiquette, critical thinking.
What skills will help Hematology Technicians earn the most?
Robyn Tarpley: NHA cert- being assertive and professional.
What skills stand out on Hematology Technician 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 Hematology Technicians possess?
Patrick Tracy: -Work well with a team
-Work well alone
-Communicate calmly and clearly
What hard/technical skills are most important for Hematology Technicians?
Patrick Tracy: -Ability to work with and repair instruments and machinery
What's a good job out of college for Hematology Technicians?
Ruth Ann Murphy Ph.D.: -Graduate School in Chemistry! There is a shortage of graduate students in Chemistry so this is a great time to go. Chemistry is one of the few fields where they pay you to attend Graduate School. You can earn about $30k per year with benefits (!) while improving your employability! With an advanced degree such as a Master's (doable in as little as one year), one can then teach in colleges and universities. In Chemistry, you can go directly to a PhD program, bypassing the Master's degree. Those holding post-baccalaureate degrees earn on average more than those with a bachelor's degree.
-Environmental! Climate change is here and there is a need for scientists to deal with it as well as to keep the non-science sector of the public informed. You can work for an environmental company as some of our graduates do, or for an agency such as the EPA, or TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality). I know a PhD Organic Chemist who headed the Austin, TX Air Quality program.
-Teaching Chemistry - High School, Middle School, etc. This can be done without any education courses, via Alternative Certification. The need for Chemistry teachers in Texas is critical! Students can get their student loans forgiven if they commit to teaching Chemistry in high school for a set period of time.
-Health professions. Health care careers are "recession-proof." The need for competent health care continues. With its critical thinking emphasis, a Chemistry major is great training for future physicians, dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, and more.
-Pharmaceutical Research. Develop new and better medications!
-Forensic Science. There are great jobs for chemists with the Texas Department of Public Safety and other such agencies. I know some of these and the head of the Albuquerque, NM Crime Lab was at one time a PhD Chemist I know.
What will help Hematology Technicians increase their earning potential?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: The business of chemistry is a $797 Billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. Over 26% of U.S. GDP is generated from industries that rely on chemistry, ranging from agriculture to oil and gas production, from semiconductors and electronics to textiles and vehicles, and from pharmaceuticals to residential and commercial energy efficiency products.www.americanchemistry.com
Having a degree in chemistry or biochemistry is a good way to have good earning potential. To increase this potential, participation in internships and research experiences are valuable. Often students choose to go on and further their education with graduate degrees. This can also increase earning potential. Students with a degree in chemistry or biochemistry are expected to have strong data skills and this is an area with large growth in industry presently.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Hematology Technicians?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: College students are well served to spend time trying to find ways to differentiate their college degree. This can be accomplished by taking additional classes, participating in additional experiences, and providing service to their community. In chemistry, internships and experience in research are excellent examples of high impact practices that allow scientific maturation. Relationships with your professors and other students and community members can have a real networking benefit. Introducing students to scientific community members can help advance job prospects.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hematology Technicians?
Nicholas Oberlies Ph.D.: The entire world is affected by COVID. I'm sure that is true for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. In the short term, it likely means that the students may be behind a semester. In addition, students likely lost opportunities for networking via canceled conferences. While virtual conferences were a nice bandaid, nothing replaces meeting people in person. This is probably especially true for graduate students.
For the long term, however, I believe the world is starting to recognize that science matters. Recently, I just read an article about one of the first biologists (Professor Tom Brock) to study bacteria in hydrothermal vents. He was doing this in the 1960s, and his basic research helped pave the way for the Nobel Prize winning work in the PCR and the life-saving work that is needed for COVID screening. This was an article about a basic scientist but published in USA Today. Not only does the public need to know more about what scientists are doing, I believe that the public seems to have a hunger for such knowledge. So, while the short term might look a little messy and less than ideal, perhaps the long term horizon for science will be improving.
Matthew Nicholaou
Associate Professor and ChairWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What experience really stands out on Hematology Technician 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 Hematology Technicians?
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 Hematology Technicians 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 Hematology Technician 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.
What Hematology Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tanea Reed Ph.D.: I would recommend gaining additional laboratory and/or research experience to enhance their skill set with new techniques. Individuals could do this by reaching out to principal investigators of research laboratories who are conducting research that they have an interest in. They can also start to build their network by reaching out to professional organizations such as the American Chemical Society and their university's alumni association. These relationships can possibly lead to future opportunities.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hematology Technician 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.
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 Hematology Technicians?
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 Hematology Technician 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 Hematology Technicians 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 Hematology Technician resumes?
Dr. Bruce Huckell Ph.D.: In terms of archaeology, for employers in the governmental and private sectors, I think experience in field work and laboratory analysis is what is most desired when considering folks with bachelor's degrees. In those same employment settings, master's and doctoral graduates who have good writing skills need the knowledge of appropriate legal regulations and museum methods and the ability to organize and supervise workers. In the academic realm, where a doctoral degree is needed in most instances, skills in research, teaching, and pubic/professional service are the key realms in which experience must stand out.