Median pay: $54,100
Top pay: $71,700
10-year job growth: 12%
Total jobs: 80,000
The job:
You don't need to be a physician or nurse to work in a hospital and save lives. Medical lab techs perform complex tests that are crucial for diagnosing and treating illnesses and diseases. In addition to running analysis, they make sure results are accurate and timely. The work may be done behind the scenes, but it is a critical step in making sure patients get the right care. Labs nationwide are facing a shortage of qualified staff, and according to the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s latest workforce survey, personnel challenges are only expected to intensify over the next five years.
How to switch:
You'll need training in clinical laboratory science. Most jobs require certification, which is offered by a number of professional organizations, including the American Society for Clinical Pathology and American Medical Technologists. Find out more at ascp.org and americanmedtech.org.
Quality of life ratings:
| Personal satisfaction |
Benefit to society |
Low stress |
Flexibility |
| B |
B |
C |
B |
By Donna Rosato and Grace Wong
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