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Job outlook for pathological technicians in the United States
Are pathological technician jobs in demand?
Pathological technician job and salary trends over time
Pathological technician jobs over time
Pathological technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 513 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 525 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 525 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 517 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 519 | 0.00% |
Average pathological technician salary over time
Pathological technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $50,684 | $24.37 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $49,306 | $23.70 | --0.7% |
| 2024 | $49,662 | $23.88 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $48,428 | $23.28 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $47,495 | $22.83 | --0.1% |
Pathological technician jobs by state
Most common states for pathological technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 428 | 32% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,114 | 31% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 223 | 30% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 362 | 27% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 222 | 26% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 164 | 26% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 183 | 24% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 734 | 23% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,187 | 21% |
| 10 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,309 | 20% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,901 | 19% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,693 | 19% |
| 13 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,338 | 19% |
| 14 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 548 | 19% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 201 | 19% |
| 16 | Delaware | 961,939 | 179 | 19% |
| 17 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 3,712 | 18% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 995 | 18% |
| 19 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 330 | 18% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 195 | 18% |
Most common cities for pathological technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McHenry | 1 | 4% | $50,244 |
| 2 | West Memphis | 1 | 4% | $41,920 |
| 3 | Fargo | 2 | 2% | $48,870 |
| 4 | Mansfield | 1 | 2% | $47,701 |
| 5 | Taylor | 1 | 2% | $44,608 |
| 6 | Riverside | 2 | 1% | $55,808 |
| 7 | Gaithersburg | 1 | 1% | $45,550 |
| 8 | Miramar | 1 | 1% | $54,902 |
| 9 | Springfield | 1 | 1% | $49,439 |
| 10 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $64,658 |
| 11 | Minneapolis | 2 | 0% | $44,208 |
| 12 | Seattle | 2 | 0% | $57,381 |
| 13 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $50,152 |
| 14 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $47,543 |
| 15 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $55,542 |
Pathological Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of pathological technician experts
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Georgetown University Medical Center
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Medical University of South Carolina
Weber State University
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud State University
Wenatchee Valley College
Agnes Scott College
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
University of California - Davis
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Weber State University
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Colby-Sawyer College
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Palm Beach State College
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 Pathological 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 will help Pathological Technicians increase their earning potential?
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm: Depending on the department that you work in, hands-on skills and dexterity with using pipettes will always be required. However, over the next 10-15 years, we anticipate molecular assays and artificial intelligence to help enhance our role in healthcare. Good MLS characteristics include being detail-oriented, communicative, organized, methodical, good lab/aseptic technique, etc., but in the future, we anticipate a greater need for computer software and instrumentation troubleshooting skills as technology advances!
Shelby McCarty MSNPA
Public Relations CoordinatorWhat Pathological Technician 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.
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Biological Sciences
What skills stand out on Pathological Technician resumes?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Good standing on biochemical concepts.
What soft skills should all Pathological Technicians possess?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Planification.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pathological Technicians?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Pipetting, quantitative analysis, computer writing.
What skills will help Pathological Technicians earn the most?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Commitment.
Ivica Labuda
Professor and DirectorGeorgetown University Medical Center
Department of Biochemistry Molecular and Cell Biology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Pathological Technician job market given the pandemic?
Ivica Labuda: The biggest trends are undoubtedly public health, medicine, virology, and biotechnology. Recent graduates of our Georgetown Biotechnology program all landed a job, with some of them working closely on Covid-19 vaccine or test developments.
What general advice would you give to a Pathological Technician?
Ivica Labuda: You can find what is "you" in any profession. Love what you do and always learn new skills. Look for an opportunity where your personality and talents intersect.
Lindsey Clark
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Department of Laboratory Sciences
What soft skills should all Pathological Technicians possess?
Lindsey Clark: Laboratory scientists are like medical detectives-looking for clues that lead to diagnoses, which requires attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These are some of the most important soft skills for laboratory scientists, time management, adaptability, and communication skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pathological Technicians?
Lindsey Clark: Nearly all clinical laboratory scientists will need to know how to use a microscope properly, operate various lab instruments or analyzers, and perform complex laboratory testing according to standard operating procedures. They may also be required to collect, process, or analyze specimens, maintain quality control records, prepare chemical reagents, investigate atypical or discrepant test results, determine causation, or communicate with other healthcare professionals.
Helen Martin
Associate Professor, Division DirectorMedical University of South Carolina
Division of Physician Assistant Studies
What soft skills should all Pathological Technicians possess?
Helen Martin: Computer skills within a hospital system.
Dr. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What soft skills should all Pathological Technicians 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 Pathological Technicians?
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.
What skills will help Pathological Technicians earn the most?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Ability to work independently, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Students that are detail-oriented and consistently create solutions to problems will likely be promoted to team leaders, technical supervisors, and laboratory managers and earn higher wages.
Patricia Ellinger
Medical Laboratory Science FacultySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What skills stand out on Pathological Technician 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 soft skills should all Pathological Technicians possess?
Patricia Ellinger: 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 Pathological 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
What skills will help Pathological Technicians earn the most?
Patricia Ellinger: -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
Louise Millis
Medical Laboratory Science and Histotechnician Program Director, Associate Professor of BiologySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What soft skills should all Pathological Technicians 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 Pathological Technicians?
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 Pathological 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
What skills stand out on Pathological 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 Pathological Technicians possess?
Patrick Tracy: -Work well with a team
-Work well alone
-Communicate calmly and clearly
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pathological Technicians?
Patrick Tracy: -Ability to work with and repair instruments and machinery
What skills will help Pathological Technicians 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 skills stand out on Pathological Technician resumes?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Animal handling or work with animal model systems, science presentations at the symposium, internships or independent research projects, inquiry-given lab experiences
What soft skills should all Pathological Technicians possess?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Teamwork, leadership, working with a diverse team.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pathological Technicians?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Ability to run PCRs, ability to run gel electrophoresis, statistical analysis
What skills will help Pathological Technicians earn the most?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: A combination of the skills listed in 1-3.
What will help Pathological Technicians increase their earning potential?
Ruth Ann Murphy Ph.D.: Graduate degrees, postdoctoral work, experience, internships while in college, continuing education, attendance at short courses such as those offered by the American Chemical Society, a strong work ethic, a good personality.
What experience really stands out on Pathological Technician resumes?
Ronald Gilman: It is always good to consider your audience. For us, a Fields Medal or Nobel Prize tends to be a plus.
What experience really stands out on Pathological Technician resumes?
Tonya Kuhl: Everyone who graduates has the degree, but it is a graduate's individual experience, their personality, and what they are passionate about that sets them apart. Looking for ways to contribute positively in their work experience from working fast food to internships, extracurricular clubs such as participating in their student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineering, leadership, and community service. Given the increase in remote collaboration and hands-off operation, automation, process control and systems engineering skills will really standout. A link to a portfolio of their coding projects on GitHub would be a great way to demonstrate their coding skills.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Pathological Technicians?
Tonya Kuhl: There will be an impact on graduates in that finding their first career position will likely require more effort and may take longer. It is harder for small companies to onboard and train new employees because they may lack the infrastructure to do this remotely. Beyond hiring delays, I would not anticipate an "enduring" impact.
Dr. Justin Smoyer Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Experimental Physics & EngineeringKutztown University of Pennsylvania
Department of Physical Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Pathological Technicians?
Dr. Justin Smoyer Ph.D.: Yes. Where I think graduates will see a lasting impact of the coronavirus pandemic will be in the expectation of employers. While not all meetings will take place over video after the pandemic, I think you will find that employers will have certain expectations in terms of the flexibility of their employees. Graduates will be expected to have the ability to work in a lab, work from home, work on the road, etc. This means that graduates will have to be versed in technology particularly in terms of communication tools. In general, the professional world will be smaller. Meetings, conferences, workshops, etc., will be able to take place without the need to travel. While this ability to share and gain knowledge without having to travel long distances will be a benefit to graduates, this also means that as employers look for job candidates, they will be able to consider applications from all over the world and the competition for jobs will be fierce.
Matthew Nicholaou
Associate Professor and ChairWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Pathological Technicians?
Matthew Nicholaou: That is a loaded question and to answer it we really need to be specific about what the "enduring impact" is to the students. Academically, we are not certain how the pandemic will affect their performance. Our program in particular has a lot of experience with remote online learning; we have been using a hybrid model for teaching since the pandemic began and we feel confident that our students are continuing to get a quality education.
They might not like online learning as much as in-person, it certainly requires more self discipline and motivation, but we haven't really seen it as a barrier to learning per se. More so, it seems the students are suffering, like the rest of us, from living in a global pandemic. Everyone has been stressed, almost constantly, for the past year and this is something humans are just not built to handle. Most of the issues we have seen are not related to the style/delivery of learning but more to overall burnout of the students. I really don't see this pandemic having a lasting impact academically to our graduates, but it certainly is going to leave a mark on all of us just as humans.
Dr. Mark Zappi Ph.D.
Professor of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Louisiana at Lafayette
Department of Chemical Engineering
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Pathological Technicians?
Dr. Mark Zappi Ph.D.: It is difficult to assess the enduring impacts at this time given that we are still in the middle of the pandemic. I do think that students will remember this event and keep planning and being prepared for the unknown at the forefront of their minds. It is interesting to ask professionals who were working in the late-sixties about the pandemic in 68 and 69 - very few remember the event. Albeit, the 1968/69 event was not as large, it was a serious event. Thus, I expect job opportunities will rebound and students will find employment.
What experience really stands out on Pathological Technician resumes?
Dr. Mark Zappi Ph.D.: Good grades, research experiences, proven leadership, and industry experiences. Rarely, but great to see, technical publications and presentations - outside of the university - such as technical conferences and printed papers in journals.
What type of skills will young Pathological 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.
Dr. Rainer Glaser
Professor and ChairMissouri University of Science and Technology
Chemistry Department
What skills stand out on Pathological Technician 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Pathological Technicians?
Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska Ph.D.: Only time will tell. However, I feel that this pandemic has brought our students' and alumni's resilience and adaptability to the forefront. With most laboratories limiting the number of employees present, most are not taking on in-person interns at this time. However, they are working with our program to provide remote experiences for our students and provide invaluable support.
Our students have taken time to listen and research the science, found ways to overcome the adversities that have come their way and continue to have a positive outlook. The students in our program are following social distancing guidelines and adapting to the changing learning environments. I believe their resilience and resolve will only add to their successes in life and make them better scientists for it.