How is medical technician salary

The medical technician salary is based on several different factors. Pretty much the same way it would be for any other profession. Education level, clinical experience, certified vs non certified and location all play a part in determining how much one will ultimately earn. In addition to those factors, different health care organizations typically pay more or less than other agencies.

Job Description

If this is a career you’re very interested in pursuing, you should become familiar with the position and the responsibilities required. Keep in mind that your duties can vary from one organization to the next. So in order to avoid confusion, we’ll stick with the most common job functions.

• Collecting and testing specimens and recording the results
• Administrative tasks
• Direct interaction with patients
• Operating various medical equipment
• Responsible disposing hazardous waste
• Assisting and working under the supervision of doctors, Registered Nurses and Medical Technologists.

You will have additional job duties if you choose to specialize in a specific area.

Education

You will find various medical techinican programs available. Some are offered by vocational schools and can be completed in less than a year. Upon completion of this kind of program you will recieve a diploma or certificate.

There are also associate’s degree programs that take 2 years to complete.

Medical Technician Salary – Entry Level

As mentioned previously, your salary can vary a lot. Generally an entry level position for an individual not certified can expect to earn on average $17.44 per hour or $36,280 per year. This is a “national average”. This means wages can be significantly lower or higher depending on where you work both location wise and for what health care organization.

On the lower end of the scale, the average salary is right around $11.64. Making your yearly salary just over $24,000.

The higher end of the the salary range for a medical technician, again based on the national average is $26.94 or about $56,000 per year.

It’s really important to factor in experience and education when looking at salary levels. If you are certified, you can expect to make more money than someone who is not certified. Here’s an example from a salary survey conducted by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

Certified technicians averaged $20.00 per hour. Non certified technicians averaged $17.90. Clearly taking the time to obtain certification will mean a higher medical technician salary right from the start.

Salary Increases With Experience

As you progress through your career, your experience on the job can also mean you’ll eventually make more money. It should also be noted that some medical technicians will choose to specialize in a specific area.

For example should you decide to specialize as a Histotechnician. Preparing human tissue for lab analysis. The average hourly pay for this positon is $20.00 per hour.

Health Care Organizations

Different organizations within the health care field pay according to their own standards and financial resources.

Let’s look at a few examples.

In 2010 in the area of Pathology the ASCP found that, laboratories ranked number one when it comes to the highest salaries paid. However, hospitals lead the way for the highest percentage of pay raises. Every organization on average reward those individuals with certification with higher salaries and pay raises.

Salary In Different Parts Of The Country

Californina on average ranks the highest wages paid per hour at $36.10. Followed by Maryland at $32.40 and Massachusettes at $32.18.

The lowest paying states include West Virginia at $25.88. Ohio at $25.54. Arkansas at $25.16.

Remember these are averages. This does not mean if you live in any of the above mentioned states, your salary will be as stated. They are mean averages which give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of salary.

Obviously the smaller the city or town the less you can expect to make. Also a higher salary in a larger metropolitan city doesn’t mean it’s the best choice either. You’ll need factor in what the cost of living is in a particular area.

Experience Impacts The Medical Technician Salary

It goes without saying, the more experience you obtain the more you can expect to make. Also those with several years on the job may opt to move into supervisory positions. Or they may decide to further their education in order to move into other areas of the health care field.

Those that do so successfully will earn higher salaries in accordance to their time on the job and level of education.

Career Outlook

The health care industry in growing by leaps and bounds. But in order to take advantage of the huge demand to fill hundreds of thousands of positions. Prepare yourself with a high level of education. Doing so will increase your chances of gaining employement, and enjoying a medical technician salary that is financially rewarding.

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