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Clinical/Medical Laboratory

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Clinical/Medical Laboratory

Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduates earn $75,975 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 17.3%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Health Specialties Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

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About Clinical/Medical Laboratory

Clinical/Medical Laboratory is a focused area of study within Health. Graduates typically earn around $75,975 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 966 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 19,017 students complete this program each year. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $64,851
Median Earnings · 4yr: $75,975
Colleges Offering: 966
Graduates / Year: 19,017
Avg Net Price / yr: $16,831

How Much Do Clinical/Medical Laboratory Graduates Earn?

Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduates earn $75,975 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $60,921 and $92,270.

$64,851

1 Year After Graduation

Earnings in this field tend to be stable early on. Expect the four-year median to closely reflect your long-term starting point.

$75,975

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$74,831

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.

$60,921 25th pct.

$75,975 Median

$92,270 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $75,975 against an estimated $67,324 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 336 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 19,017 students who complete Clinical/Medical Laboratory programs each year, the majority (37%) earn a doctorate degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

28% 37%

Doctorate 37%

Bachelor's 28%

Associate's 19%

What Can You Do With a Clinical/Medical Laboratory Degree?

Clinical/Medical Laboratory connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Health Specialties Teachers leads at $107,310/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +17.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Health Specialties Teachers

$107,310

$76K $210K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 27,400 openings/yr 221K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Instructing Speaking Critical Thinking Active Learning

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.

↗ +4.5% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Surgical Technologists

$64,650

$55K $80K 25th–75th pct.

Postsecondary nondegree award 7,000 openings/yr 117K employed nationally

Monitoring Active Listening Operations Monitoring Critical Thinking Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.

↗ +5.6% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Phlebotomists

$45,230

$38K $49K 25th–75th pct.

Postsecondary nondegree award 18,400 openings/yr 144K employed nationally

Service Orientation Social Perceptiveness Speaking Active Listening Critical Thinking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.

Top Colleges for Clinical/Medical Laboratory

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Clinical/Medical Laboratory students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Northwest Career College Las Vegas, NV · For-Profit	446	Open	$16,470	$27,530
2	Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ · Nonprofit	293	78.9%	$22,472	$42,186
3	MTI College Sacramento, CA · For-Profit	256	63.4%	$21,740	$45,328
4	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH · Public	187	85.3%	$25,648	$54,810
5	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI · Public	174	90.7%	$15,014	$54,990
6	Cleveland State University Cleveland, OH · Public	144	91.3%	$14,764	$52,131
7	George Washington University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	124	47.1%	$36,586	$90,873
8	Herzing University-Madison Madison, WI · Nonprofit	111	94.3%	$22,327	$36,909
9	Massachusetts Bay Community College Wellesley Hills, MA · Public	96	Open	$7,169	$52,654
10	University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND · Public	81	76.9%	$18,551	$63,552
11	Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI · Public	80	Open	$14,238	$45,413
12	Ashland Community and Technical College Ashland, KY · Public	75	Open	$5,717	$34,504
13	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public	71	60.6%	$17,339	$60,409
14	Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX · Public	71	89.6%	$20,783	$53,040
15	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	70	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253
16	SUNY Broome Community College Binghamton, NY · Public	69	Open	$8,940	$39,710
17	CUNY Hunter College New York, NY · Public	67	53.8%	$2,984	$63,163
18	Lansing Community College Lansing, MI · Public	59	Open	$5,437	$39,206
19	Central Coast College Salinas, CA · For-Profit	57	Open	$26,667	$40,823
20	Northern Michigan University Marquette, MI · Public	56	84%	$14,085	$47,107

View all colleges

Ranked by Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Clinical/Medical Laboratory program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Clinical/Medical Laboratory degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Clinical/Medical Laboratory a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $75,975 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 52,800 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availability Offered at 966 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduates earn?

Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduates earn a national median of $75,975 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $60,921 and $92,270. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Clinical/Medical Laboratory degree?

One year after graduation, Clinical/Medical Laboratory degree holders earn a median of $64,851. That climbs to $75,975 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Clinical/Medical Laboratory degree?

Clinical/Medical Laboratory degree holders pursue careers including Health Specialties Teachers, which pays a median of $107,310/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Clinical/Medical Laboratory program take?

Clinical/Medical Laboratory programs most commonly culminate in a doctoral degree, requiring four or more years of graduate study after completing a bachelor's or master's in the field.

How many colleges offer Clinical/Medical Laboratory?

966 colleges and universities in the United States offer Clinical/Medical Laboratory programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Clinical/Medical Laboratory degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $75,975 and an average net price of roughly $16,831/yr, a Clinical/Medical Laboratory degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Clinical/Medical Laboratory and Health?

Clinical/Medical Laboratory is a focused concentration within the broader Health field. The Health major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Clinical/Medical Laboratory-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduates?

Employers hiring Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduates?

In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduates?

The job outlook for Clinical/Medical Laboratory graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +9.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.