Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 29-2010
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $61,890 and +1.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 351,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2010) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 351,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.7% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $61,890, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians?
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 1.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 351,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians?
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians requires a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Typical education requirement: Bachelor's degree.
How much do Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is $61,890, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians?
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on O*NET task analysis. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).