Medical technology has emerged as the most evolving pillar of life science in the last decade. There’s a growing demand for skilled medical technologists as technology shapes the existing healthcare system to make it more personalized and proactive. Hospitals offer medical technologists lucrative salaries to cater to increasing needs.
Medical technologists are highly trained health professionals who help doctors determine medical conditions and treat patients accordingly. They often work in diagnostic laboratories to conduct tests, process clinical samples, and perform laboratory procedures. They’re also known as medical laboratory technicians or clinical laboratory scientists.
With such a high demand for these professionals, you might be wondering, how much medical technologists make. Keep reading to find the answer to this question, learn more about this profession, and find out how much medical technologists make per hour.
Medical Technologist Salary: An Overview of How Much Medical Technologists Make
- Average Salary: $54,180
- 10th Percentile Salary: $31,450
- 90th Percentile Salary: $83,700
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average salary for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is $54,180 as of May 2020. This means half the medical technologists in the US earned more than $54,180 per year. Moreover, the highest-paid 10 percent of technologists earn $83,700, whereas the lowest 10 percent made $31,450.
However, the healthcare field has evolved in the past two years and these figures may not give a recent picture. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary of a medical technologist in 2022 is $57,697. Further, medical technologists can earn as high as $76,000 and as low as $44,000 currently.
How Much Do Medical Technologists Make Per Hour?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage of medical technologists is $26.05 per hour. Though, it is not the most recent figure. Medical technologists can make $29 per hour as of January 2022, according to ZipRecruiter.
Unlike other professions, medical laboratory scientists may not always work during typical hours such as nine to five every day. They often work in healthcare facilities, like hospitals, or diagnostic laboratories that are always open. Medical technologists may be required to work weekends, irregular hours, or overnight depending on the demand for medical tests.
Do Medical Technologists Make Good Money?
Yes, the BLS estimates the average base salary of medical technologists is $54,180, which is higher than the national average salary of $41,950 for all job roles. Clinical laboratory science is one of the fastest-growing fields. As the need for medical technologists increases, their median wage is likely to increase too.
Medical laboratory scientists looking to increase their annual wages can enroll in an advanced nuclear medicine program. They can also join additional training to get specialty certification according to their medical career path.
How Much Do Medical Technologists Make? A Salary Breakdown by Location, Experience, and Skills
Location, experience, and skills play a crucial role in determining the salary of medical technologists. Below is a full salary breakdown by location, experience, and skills.
Medical Technologists Salaries by Location
More often than not, salary varies significantly based on location. According to ZipRecruiter, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Connecticut are some of the best locations for medical technologists.
| Location | 25th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 75th Percentile Salary |
| Massachusetts | $53,781 | $69,974 | $73,881 |
| Hawaii | $51,653 | $69,974 | $70,958 |
| Connecticut | $49,826 | $69,974 | $68,448 |
| Rhode Island | $49,421 | $69,974 | $67,892 |
| Washington | $53,406 | $64,489 | $73,366 |
Medical Technologists Salaries by Level of Experience
The median wage of a medical technologist increases with level of experience. According to Payscale, a senior medical technologist can earn $68,135 a year. With experience, aspiring medical technologists should also increase their level of education. The best way to specialize in a subject is through a 12-month certificate program
| Experience Level | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
| Entry-Level | $40,000 | $51,071 | $63,000 |
| Early-Career | $44,000 | $54,307 | $68,000 |
| Mid-Career | $45,000 | $60,305 | $75,000 |
| Experienced | $46,000 | $61,882 | $83,000 |
| Late-Career | $50,000 | $68,135 | $89,000 |
Medical Technologists Salaries by Skill
Skills play an important role in determining the salary of medical technologists. According to Payscale, a medical laboratory scientist with oral communication skills can earn $63,880 per year. Read on to know a full salary breakdown by skill.
Apart from the skills mentioned below, one of the most crucial skills a medical technologist can have is experience with sophisticated laboratory equipment. Other skills such as analytical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, team leadership, and general desk skills also help boost salaries. Keep reading for a full salary breakdown by skill.
| Skill | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
| Verbal Communication | $45,000 | $63,880 | $90,000 |
| Molecular Biology | $46,000 | $62,000 | $76,000 |
| Technical Analysis | $44,000 | $61,000 | $88,000 |
| Quality Assurance | $45,000 | $60,000 | $82,000 |
| Microbiology | $45,000 | $59,000 | $81,000 |
How Much Do Freelance Medical Technologists Make?
While most medical technologists work full-time, some are hired as freelance consultants at independent laboratories, medical consulting firms, or medical marketing companies. They usually help with laboratory network management, laboratory systems strengthening, quality management systems, monitoring safety procedures, and job training.
According to ZipRecruiter, a freelance medical technologist earns an hourly wage of $29. Their pay varies depending on the type of work they do. Some medical technologists can earn as high as $58 per hour, while others make only $9.62 an hour.
Medical Technologists Job Outlook
The evolving healthcare field presents tremendous career opportunities for medical technologists. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are going to witness 11 percent employment growth between 2020 and 2030.
The occupational employment statistics provided by the US BLS project faster-than-average job growth in this field. An estimated 29,500 new jobs will be added on average every year through the decade. It has also indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for healthcare support occupations, including medical assistants and skilled scientists.
Is Medical Technology a Good Career?
Yes, medical technology is a growing field with positive occupational employment projections that offers numerous job opportunities. For instance, a medical technology graduate can become a radiation therapist and earn $132,930 per year. Some also become a phlebotomist. If you don’t like diagnostic procedures you can also pursue academic research as a career, after finishing your degree programs.
How Much Do Medical Technologists Make? FAQ
You will first have to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology and then a master’s degree. To put your study into practice, you will have to get clinical training. You can do so by working at a facility like outpatient care centers and running diagnostic tests.
It takes four to six years to become a medical technologist. You will need a four-year bachelor’s degree. You will also have to earn a master’s degree, which will take another two years. It may take a little longer if you plan on doing any specialty certification.
Yes, medical technology is a booming field. Medical technologists have become even more important because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A medical technology program presents endless career options. You can work as a health information technician, radiation therapist, medical laboratory technician, or medical school teacher.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
