How Much Do Medical Technologists Get Paid?

A medical technologist is health care professional who becomes licensed and certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. These professionals can work in a variety of careers, and the technologist certification provides credentials to those who have acquired the necessary skills in this field. Some states require this certification and licensing from the American Society for Clinical Pathology to practice professionally. In November 2010, PayScale reported average salaries for 938 professionals who received this certification.

Laboratory Technicians

Laboratory technicians work in a medical or clinical laboratory assisting scientists and technologists. These professionals prepare laboratory specimens, process specimens using automated analysis tools and prepare reports or test results. Laboratory technicians also clean laboratory equipment and maintain inventory. Most employers require an associate degree in biology, chemistry or a related discipline for this occupation, and some states require a license to work professionally in a clinical laboratory. PayScale reported average salaries ranging from $15.81 to $20.27 per hour for laboratory technicians who obtain the medical technologist certification.

Laboratory Technologist

Like laboratory technicians, laboratory technologists work in clinical or medical laboratory performing more complex testing and studies on specimens. These professionals examine body fluids, make cultures for examination and evaluate the results. Work may also include examining and matching blood for transfusions. Employers require a bachelor's degree in a life science discipline or medical technology and some states require licensing to practice professionally. PayScale reported the average salary for laboratory technologists with the medical technologist certification ranged from $18.61 to $25.12 per hour.

Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) respond to emergencies such as car accidents and provide basic medical care to patients. These professionals also transport patients who require additional medical care to hospitals. EMTs also transport patients from one medical facility to another as requested by the medical facilities. All states require EMTs to be licensed to practice professionally, which requires a formal training program and passing a state-administered exam. EMTs who passed basic training and received medical technologist certification earned average salaries ranging from $9.97 to $14.44 per hour.

Paramedic

Like EMTs, paramedics respond to emergencies of individuals and in many cases, work directly with EMTs performing more advanced medical care. These professionals provide on-the-scene medical care and transport patients who require additional care to a hospital or medical facility. Paramedics receive one to two years of accredited training and are required to pass a state administered exam to be licensed to practice. Paramedics who obtained medical technologist certification earned average salaries ranging from $11.63 to $18.54 per hour.

References

• PayScale: Certification: ASCP Certification -- MLT
• American Society for Clinical Pathology: Technologist Certification
• Payscale: Hourly Rate Snapshot for Medical / Clinical Laboratory Technologist Jobs
• American Society for Clinical Pathology: Medical Laboratory Technician
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics