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Avg. salary range
$64k–$72k
across regions
Hours / Day
8
Days / Week
5
working days
About this career
A medical lab tech, also called a medical laboratory technician (MLT), is a healthcare professional who performs tests on blood, urine, and other body samples to help doctors diagnose and treat illnesses. They use specialized laboratory equipment to analyze samples, identify bacteria or viruses, measure chemicals in the blood, and detect diseases. Although they usually do not work directly with patients, their work is essential for providing accurate test results that guide medical decisions. Medical lab techs work in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, and research facilities. They must carefully follow procedures, operate laboratory equipment, and record results accurately because even small errors can affect a patient's care. Becoming a medical lab tech typically requires completing an accredited associate degree program and earning certification, depending on state requirements. This career is a great fit for students who enjoy science, technology, solving problems, and paying close attention to detail.
Career Level
Where you could work
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What you'll need
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Attention To Detail
Do you often notice things that other people miss? Are you able to complete a project with few or no mistakes?
Computer Skills
Can you easily learn to use new programs or applications? Are you able to quickly find necessary files or information? Can you fix minor computer related issues?
Organization
Are you able to keep clutter to a minimum? Can you keep track of lots of different information?
Problem Solving
Do you enjoy solving puzzles? Are you able to easily identify the cause of a problem?
Research
Are you able to easily collect information? Do you quickly identify higher priority information?
Education & Training
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's is a post-secondary undergraduate degree. Historically, the term “college degree” meant a bachelor's or traditional four-year degree. Bachelor's degrees usually take between four and six years to complete.
Compensation
Columbia Basin
Washington
Low
$43,600
Average
$63,700
High
$78,900
Washington minimum wage
Salary data reflects regional averages and may vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Work Schedule
Shift cycle
5 on · 2 off per cycle
Typical shifts can be anywhere between 8 and 12 hours. On average, shifts are 3 to 5 days a week depending on length and setting.
Where do we get our data?
Our career data is based on regional averages provided by the Spokane Workforce Council. Data is subject to change based on location, job specialty, experience level, and/or union association.
How does it compare?
Average Salary
$66,667
Overall Rank
127th
out of 199 careers
In Health Science
27th
out of 39 careers
Salary distribution
Rankings are based on average salary data across all careers in our database. Individual earnings may vary.
See it in action
