How much does a Medical Laboratory Scientist make?
A career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist offers promising earnings. On average, these professionals make about $74,674 a year. The salary can vary based on experience and location. Starting out, a Medical Laboratory Scientist can expect to earn around $47,860. With more experience, salaries increase, reaching up to $126,080 for the top earners.
The salary distribution shows that a significant number of professionals earn between $62,082 and $83,415 annually. This range includes the 50th percentile of earners. To give an idea of what this means, about 30% of Medical Laboratory Scientists earn less than $62,082, while another 30% earn more than $83,415. Factors like education, certifications, and additional skills can impact these numbers.
What are the highest paying cities for a Medical Laboratory Scientist?

-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $141,581
In Santa Rosa, laboratory professionals thrive in a serene environment while making crucial contributions to health care. Working with renowned facilities like Sutter Health, they ensure accurate test results and high standards in diagnostics.
Find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
Grand Rapids, MI
Average Salary: $103,278
In Grand Rapids, scientists play a key role in the city's health care system. They work with big names like Spectrum Health, contributing to accurate and timely medical results. The city values their work in promoting community health.
Find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Grand Rapids, MI
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $95,815
In Washington, DC, professionals work in cutting-edge labs that focus on advanced diagnostics. They often collaborate with top medical institutions like MedStar Health. Their work helps in making informed health decisions for the nation's capital.
Find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Washington, DC
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $92,689
Seattle offers a dynamic environment for laboratory experts. Working at facilities such as Seattle Children’s Hospital, they are at the forefront of pediatric care. Their work is vital in providing precise medical insights.
Find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $91,122
In Portland, professionals enjoy a mix of urban life and nature. They work with top hospitals like Kaiser Permanente. Their accurate diagnostics play a key role in the city's healthcare system.
Find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Portland, OR
-
Lakeland, FL
Average Salary: $88,433
Lakeland provides a warm environment where scientists work in well-equipped labs. They are part of the Lakeland Regional Health team. Their accurate test results are essential for the region's health care needs.
Find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Lakeland, FL
-
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $87,064
In Anchorage, professionals enjoy a unique environment with access to natural beauty. Working with facilities like Alaska Native Medical Center, they ensure high standards in patient care. Their work is crucial for the state's health care.
Find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Anchorage, AK
-
Bend, OR
Average Salary: $82,849
Bend offers a peaceful setting with a strong community focus. Working at St. Charles Health System, they contribute to the well-being of the community. Their accurate diagnostics are key to the city's health care system.
Find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Bend, OR
-
Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $81,315
In Minneapolis, professionals enjoy a vibrant city life while working in top-tier labs. They often work with institutions like Mayo Clinic. Their accurate diagnostics are essential for the city's healthcare needs.
Find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Minneapolis, MN
-
Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $80,968
In Baltimore, professionals work in a city rich in history and culture. They often collaborate with Johns Hopkins Medicine. Their work is vital in providing accurate health information for the city's residents.
Find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Baltimore, MD
What are the best companies a Medical Laboratory Scientist can work for?

-
Providence
Average Salary: $108,772
Providence offers rewarding opportunities for Medical Laboratory Scientists across many states in the U.S. Employees conduct tests on body fluids and tissue samples, ensuring accurate results that lead to correct diagnoses. With locations in Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, and Texas, Providence offers a variety of settings for professionals to work in.
-
MedStar Health
Average Salary: $98,696
MedStar Health provides an excellent environment for Medical Laboratory Scientists in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. They focus on delivering high-quality care through advanced laboratory testing. Their locations include several hospitals and outpatient centers, offering diverse experiences.
-
Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $97,909
Kaiser Permanente offers competitive salaries for Medical Laboratory Scientists working in their facilities across California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington. They emphasize teamwork and innovation, with a commitment to patient care.
-
Seattle Children's
Average Salary: $96,861
Seattle Children's Hospital is a top choice for Medical Laboratory Scientists looking for rewarding work. They provide specialized care in a child-focused environment. This company operates in Seattle, Washington, offering a chance to make a difference in young lives.
-
University of Washington School of Public Health
Average Salary: $96,665
The University of Washington School of Public Health offers dynamic opportunities for Medical Laboratory Scientists. They focus on research and public health initiatives. This institution is located in Seattle, Washington, providing a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research.
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Average Salary: $90,984
Oregon Health & Science University provides Medical Laboratory Scientists with a chance to work in a leading academic health center. They focus on innovation and excellence in patient care. This university operates in Portland, Oregon, offering a stimulating work environment.
-
Samaritan Health Services
Average Salary: $88,125
Samaritan Health Services offers Medical Laboratory Scientists the opportunity to work in a patient-centered healthcare system. They have locations in Oregon and Washington, providing a chance to contribute to a community-focused healthcare model.
-
Fairview Health Services
Average Salary: $86,976
Fairview Health Services offers rewarding opportunities for Medical Laboratory Scientists in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They focus on providing high-quality healthcare services and have a strong emphasis on patient care and safety.
-
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Average Salary: $86,019
MD Anderson Cancer Center provides a prestigious environment for Medical Laboratory Scientists specializing in oncology. They focus on cancer research and treatment, offering a chance to contribute to life-saving work. Located in Houston, Texas, this center is a leader in cancer care.
-
TalentBurst, an Inc 5000 company
Average Salary: $85,661
TalentBurst offers Medical Laboratory Scientists opportunities to work in various settings across the U.S. They focus on providing staffing solutions for healthcare facilities, offering flexibility and diverse experiences.
How to earn more as a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
A Medical Laboratory Scientist plays a key role in healthcare. This role involves analyzing biological specimens to diagnose and treat diseases. To earn more in this profession, one can take several steps. Enhancing skills and knowledge can lead to higher pay.
Here are key factors to consider for increasing earnings:
- Specialize in a niche area. Working in a specific area like microbiology or hematology can command higher salaries.
- Earn advanced certifications. Certifications in specialized areas can make a candidate more attractive to employers.
- Gain more experience. Working for several years and building a solid resume can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Pursue higher education. A master's degree can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.
- Work in a high-demand location. Certain areas may offer higher wages due to the demand for lab scientists.
Focusing on these areas can help a Medical Laboratory Scientist earn more. Each factor provides a clear path to improving earnings.



