Job function, location, education, employer and ASCP(MLS) certification can have a
significant impact on earnings.
Job Function
The MLO annual survey showed average salaries for several job functions. Pathologists
were the highest paid laboratory professionals with an average annual salary of $147,313.
Location
ZipRecruiter data by state shows medical laboratory scientists can expect annual salaries as of
September 2023 ranging from $49,869 to $75,343 depending upon the state in which they
are employed.
Education
Education also impacts salary with lab professionals holding post-graduate degrees
earning an average of $121,277 and lab professionals holding bachelor’s degrees earning
an average of $100,374 in 2023 according to the MLO survey.
Employers
The BLS reports higher salaries for lab professionals in outpatient care centers and hospitals.
The MLO annual salary survey showed professionals working in larger labs earned higher
salaries.
ASCP(MLS) Salary
An American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification signifies that a medical laboratory scientist has met established education, clinical
competency and experience requirements. More experience typically correlates with
higher pay.