Medical Laboratory Scientist

Median Annual Income

$107,460

Projected Job Growth

+9 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

Doctoral or professional degree

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Median Annual Income

$85,470

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

Energy & Natural Resources

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Median Annual Income

$91,100

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Healthcare & Human Services

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Median Annual Income

$91,100

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Healthcare & Human Services

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Median Annual Income

$81,390

Projected Job Growth

+19 %

Career Cluster(s)

Public Service & Safety

Most Common Education Level

Master's degree

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

Median Annual Income

$117,750

Projected Job Growth

+5 %

Career Cluster(s)

Healthcare & Human Services

Most Common Education Level

Master's degree

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

Median Annual Income

$239

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Healthcare & Human Services

Most Common Education Level

Doctoral or professional degree

Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.

Median Annual Income

$60,780

Projected Job Growth

+5 %

Career Cluster(s)

Healthcare & Human Services

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Median Annual Income

$60,780

Projected Job Growth

+5 %

Career Cluster(s)

Healthcare & Human Services

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

Median Annual Income

$60,780

Projected Job Growth

+5 %

Career Cluster(s)

Healthcare & Human Services

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.