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Job outlook for molecular technologists in the United States
Are molecular technologist jobs in demand?
Molecular technologist job and salary trends over time
Molecular technologist jobs over time
Molecular technologist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 533 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 546 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 546 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 538 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 539 | 0.00% |
Average molecular technologist salary over time
Molecular technologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $54,483 | $26.19 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $53,002 | $25.48 | --0.7% |
| 2024 | $53,384 | $25.67 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $52,058 | $25.03 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $51,055 | $24.55 | +0.9% |
Molecular technologist jobs by state
Most common states for molecular technologists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 396 | 29% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 183 | 29% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,805 | 26% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 222 | 26% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 340 | 25% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 176 | 23% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 235 | 22% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 222 | 21% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 157 | 21% |
| 10 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,355 | 20% |
| 11 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 138 | 20% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 596 | 19% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,634 | 18% |
| 14 | Delaware | 961,939 | 176 | 18% |
| 15 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 102 | 18% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,235 | 17% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,233 | 17% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 501 | 17% |
| 19 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 485 | 17% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 295 | 17% |
Most common cities for molecular technologists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark | 2 | 6% | $56,250 |
| 2 | Aurora | 2 | 1% | $50,854 |
| 3 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $56,822 |
| 4 | San Jose | 1 | 0% | $76,170 |
Molecular Technologist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of molecular technologist experts
Medical University of South Carolina
What Molecular Technologist 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 Molecular Technologists 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 will help Molecular Technologists 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.
Helen Martin
Associate Professor, Division DirectorMedical University of South Carolina
Division of Physician Assistant Studies
What skills will help Molecular Technologists earn the most?
Helen Martin: 4-year degree in laboratory science.