Aside from the excitement and adventure of traveling medical professionals, the job can be very lucrative. Staffing shortages continue to negatively impact our nation’s healthcare system, so the demand for medical techs is growing rapidly. So, if you have ever thought about becoming a med lab tech or ever considered traveling as a medical professional, now is the time!
So, what is the job outlook and pay rates of a med lab tech? We compiled the best and top-paying states for Med Techs, as well as the projected future growth of the healthcare profession. Something as simple as crossing state lines can improve pay as a medical lab tech. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) job growth in this profession is expected to be about 11% between 2020-2030, which is considered faster than the average for all healthcare occupations.
States with the Highest Demand
In what is becoming a more normalizing market state-by-state demand may fluctuate, with some states having greater opportunities in comparison to others. As referenced in the BLS, here are the states with the highest demand for medical lab technologists:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Ohio
Why These States Have High Demand:
These states have large populations in their major cities creating higher demand for healthcare systems. As stated by the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of Los Angeles, California has a population per square mile of 3,517.6, and 12.9% of the entire population is elderly. Similarly in Dallas, Texas, they have a population of 1,288,475. Cities with smaller populations simply do not see the same influx of patients creating less demand in certain states.
States with the Highest Average Salary
MLT professionals earned an average salary of $57,800 in 2021, and salaries are expected to increase in 2022 and 2023. When considering a salary amount, consider the cost of living in the city in which you work and the suburbs for a potentially cheaper option while traveling. The BLS claims these are the states with the highest average salary for medical lab technologists:
- New York – $72,500
- Rhode Island – $70,580
- Connecticut – $70,220
- Oregon – $69,330
- California – $68,450
Why These States Have High Salary Ranges:
When considering salary rates when accepting a job, it’s also critical to take into account housing rates, grocery prices, and gas expenses. In Brooklyn, New York, the average rent is 137% higher than in the Midwest, while in New Haven, Connecticut, the average rent is 79% higher than in the Midwest. Oregon’s largest city, Portland, has an estimated monthly cost of $1,119 without rent. So, all things considered, since the cost of living is higher in these states, the salaries are higher, making it possible to live there comfortably.
As there are many medical tech positions available all over the country, it can be difficult to decide where to move, but many factors should be considered before making a final decision. Nevertheless, being a travel medical technologist enables you to explore new career opportunities and explore new parts of the country.
LRS Healthcare will connect you with an account manager and help you find your dream job. There are competitive rates in all 50 states, so why not get started today? Reach out to learn more about our travel medical lab technologist positions with LRS Healthcare today!
