Travel Medical Technologist Salary Guide

A medical technologist, also known as a clinical laboratory scientist, performs lab tests. These tests are used to diagnose diseases and monitor the effects of medical treatments. For example, an oncologist may order a blood test to determine whether a patient's chemotherapy has been working. Medical technologists analyze tissue samples, work with urine and blood specimens, operate laboratory equipment and enter test results into each patient's medical record. Some medical technologists specialize in a specific area of laboratory science, such as microbiology or hematology.

How do you become a medical technologist?

To become a medical technologist, you must complete a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, medical technology or a closely related discipline. Although the exact sequence of courses varies based on the school you attend, medical technology students usually take courses in biology, chemistry, immunology, microbiology, biostatistics and immunology. You also learn how to operate cell counters, microscopes and other equipment used in a medical laboratory setting. 

According to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, the following states have laboratory practice acts that require all medical technologists to be licensed as of April 2023:

  • California

  • Hawaii

  • Florida

  • Louisiana

  • Montana

  • Nevada

  • New York

  • North Dakota

  • Tennessee

  • West Virginia

Depending on where you live, you may need to demonstrate your professional competency, pay a licensing fee and/or take continuing education courses to obtain or retain a license.

What credentials/licensing does a medical technologist require?

You don't need to pass a national certification exam to work as a medical technologist, but many employers prefer to hire certified employees. Therefore, obtaining a certification may help you advance your career. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification offers the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) credential, which helps medical technologists demonstrate their competency in blood banking, hematology, immunology, chemistry, laboratory operations and microbiology.

You must meet the minimum education and training requirements to obtain the MLS certification. ASCP offers six routes to MLS certification, so the requirements depend on your chosen route. You must also pass a 100-question exam.

Average Travel Medical Technologist Salary

$1,863/week

The average salary for a Travel Medical Technologist is $1,863 per week. This is 26% lower than the practicing US average of $2,347.

Last updated on May 8, 2024. Based on 301 active jobs on Vivian.com in the last 7 days.

Salaries for Travel Medical Technologist compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages

$1,863/week

26% lower than the practicing US average.

$2,347/week

United States

Where do Travel Medical Technologists get paid the most?
StateAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
California$2,404$3,017
New York$2,235$3,631
Montana$2,208$2,278
Massachusetts$1,956$2,980
Vermont$1,918$2,144
Pennsylvania$1,881$2,982
Illinois$1,849$2,450
What cities pay the most for Travel Medical Technologists?
CityAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
Eureka, California$2,305$2,484
Arcata, California$2,289$2,475
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Travel Medical Technologist jobs?
Average Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
Curam Staffing$3,120$3,120
LanceSoft$3,011$4,562
Health Advocates Network-Allied$2,624$3,631
Genie Healthcare$2,511$2,975
Bestica$2,493$2,493
Tact Staff$2,484$2,484
Talent4Health$2,426$2,505
Millbrook Support Services$2,411$2,544
Prime Physicians$2,323$2,323
Onyx Health Care Staffing$2,291$2,291

Last updated on May 8, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

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Travel Medical Technologist Career Guide

Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.

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Do travel medical technologists get paid more than staff medical technologists?

Travel medical technologists usually get paid more than staff medical technologists. However, it depends on where you live, your experience and the terms you negotiate for in each travel assignment. Based on Vivian Health's salary data for the week ending April 15, 2023, travel medical technologists earned an average of $2,243 weekly, nearly 60% more than the average for staff medical technologist jobs.

How much does a travel medical technologist make?

According to Vivian Health’s salary data for the week ending April 15, 2023, travel medical technologists earned an average of $2,243 weekly or about 58% more than their staff counterparts.

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Travel Medical Technologist FAQs

Can earning a degree improve my salary as a Medical Technologist?

Yes, advanced education often opens new career paths that usually lead to higher salaries. Medical technologist may benefit financially from pursuing a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT-AMT) or Medical Technologist (MT-AMT).

Where can I learn more about working as a Travel Medical Technologist?

Take a look at Vivian's Travel Medical Technologist Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.