How the national numbers differ
1Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists has the edge on median pay
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists is at $62,930, compared with $45,750 for Pharmacy Technicians.
Pharmacy Technicians has the edge on projected growth
Pharmacy Technicians is at 6.4% projected growth, compared with 2.7% projected growth for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists.
Typical preparation differs.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists: A bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related life science is typical for technologists. Accredited programs include laboratory and clinical training; check certification eligibility and state requirements. Pharmacy Technicians: High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Preparation categories do not establish admission difficulty, calendar time, tuition, time without earnings, or licensing difficulty.
Pharmacy Technicians has the edge on annual openings
Pharmacy Technicians is at 44,700 annual openings, compared with 20,800 annual openings for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists.
55.8/ 100Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
vs
59.5/ 100Pharmacy Technicians
Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists vs Pharmacy Technicians
| Dimension | Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | Pharmacy Technicians |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $62,930 | $45,750 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 53.6 percentile | 19.2 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 2.7% | 6.4% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 20,800 | 44,700 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 343,000 | 471,200 |
|---|
| How you qualify | A bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related life science is typical for technologists. Accredited programs include laboratory and clinical training; check certification eligibility and state requirements. | High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 4 | Job Zone 3 |
| Related work experience | Prior experience requirements need verification for this occupation. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | Verify the specialty's training, licensing, and full preparation time with an accredited program or employer. | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
| Schedules | Hospital laboratories may operate overnight, on weekends, and on holidays. Ask about shift assignments in the setting you are considering. | Varies by employer and setting; ask about shifts, overtime, on-call work, and predictable hours. |
| Physical work | Handling biological samples requires protective equipment and safety procedures. Repetitive tasks and prolonged standing can occur. | Unknown: review standing, lifting, repetitive movement, and posture with a practitioner. No overall physical-demand rating is assigned. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
