How to Become a Lab Technician

So, you’re thinking about becoming a lab technician. That’s cool. It’s one of those jobs people don’t always consider when they’re younger, but it is a solid career for many folks. It’s not flashy or anything, but it’s steady and kind of interesting, especially if you don’t mind being around machines and samples.

What Does a Lab Tech Do?

Lab technicians help scientists or doctors run tests and operate and maintain laboratory equipment. You might be working in a hospital, a research lab, or even for a company that tests food or water. You’ll spend much of your time preparing samples, using machines to analyze stuff, recording results, and cleaning things up afterward.

Unlike in the movies, there’s always a dramatic moment under a microscope. Most of the time, it’s routine. Repetitive, maybe. But some people like that. And there’s a real sense of doing something worthwhile.

Education You’ll Need

You don’t need a PhD or anything. That’s the good news. Most lab techs start with an associate degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory technology, or something similar. Some go for a bachelor’s degree, especially if they want to advance later.

A lot of community colleges have decent programs for this. Look for ones that include hands-on training, not just classroom stuff. Some programs even include internships or work placements, which greatly help you get hired.

If you’re in the U.S., you’ll probably need to get certified, too. Not everywhere, but a lot of places prefer or require it. The most common ones are through ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) or AMT (American Medical Technologists). Check your state’s requirements, though. They’re not all the same.

Skills That Matter

This job needs a weird mix of being very careful and very fast. You can’t be sloppy when handling samples that might affect someone’s treatment. But simultaneously, you’ve got a lot to get through.

Other stuff that helps:

Basic computer skills (you’ll be entering a lot of data)
Comfort with machines and tools (you’ll use them every day)
Communication skills (just enough to talk to coworkers or your supervisor)
Ability to follow rules and procedures exactly (kind of a big deal)

Being squeamish isn’t great either. There might be blood, tissues, or other samples you’d rather not think about.

Day-to-Day Life

Most lab techs work full-time. Some do night shifts, especially in hospitals. It’s usually indoors, obviously, and you’re on your feet a lot. There’s a lot of repetition, like doing the same tests repeatedly. But if you like routine, it’s fine.

There’s also a fair amount of pressure. You don’t want to mess up someone’s test results. But you’re not alone — there are usually systems to double-check things.

Job Outlook and Pay

This is one of those careers where demand is steady. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for clinical laboratory technologists and lab technicians are expected to grow by about 5% from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as the average. Not booming, but not bad either.

Pay varies depending on where you live and what kind of place you work in. Hospitals usually pay more than small clinics. The median annual wage for lab techs in 2023 was around $58,000. It is not rich, but it is not bad for a job you can get with a two-year degree.

Career Growth and Where You Can Work

A lot of people stick with the lab tech role for years. Others move up to become lab supervisors or specialize in certain testing areas. Some go back to school and become medical laboratory scientists. There’s a path if you want it.

And you’re not just limited to hospitals. Lab technicians can work in:

Private labs
Universities
Public health departments
Food and environmental testing labs
Pharmaceutical companies

You’ve got choices, depending on what you’re into.

How to Start

Finish high school. Take science and math classes — they’ll make things easier later.
Pick a program. Choose an accredited associate or bachelor’s program with hands-on lab training.
Get certified. This depends on where you live, but it can give you a better shot at getting hired.
Apply for jobs. Look into hospitals, research labs, clinics, and even universities.

Also, don’t forget your professional CV or resume. Keep it simple and focused. Mention your education, certifications, any lab experience, and technical skills. It doesn’t need to be fancy — just clear and relevant to the job. Hospitals, research labs, clinics, and even universities hire lab techs.

Sometimes people also start as lab assistants and work their way up, but it depends on the

One Thing People Don’t Talk About Enough

Being a lab tech can be emotionally challenging sometimes. You’re not directly working with patients, but what you do affects real people. Like, your test might help diagnose someone with cancer. That can feel heavy. But it can also feel meaningful.

Also, you’re usually behind the scenes. No one claps for the lab tech. But that’s fine for some people.

Final Thoughts

This could be a great fit if you like quiet work, being precise, and having a routine. It doesn’t take forever to train, and the pay is decent. You won’t become famous doing it, but you’ll have a job that matters. And that’s not nothing.

Career Reload Team

We’re a team of writers dedicated to providing insights and tips for navigating the professional world. With a collective wealth of experience across various industries and roles, our team understands the challenges and opportunities that come with seeking meaningful work and advancing your career. We help job seekers to better their careers by offering career advice & free resources. Download free Word resume templates and resume templates for Google Docs.