The American Society for Clinical Pathology's 2015 wage survey of medical laboratories in the United States

Abstract

Objectives: To inform the pathology and laboratory field of the most recent national wage data from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Historically, the results of this biennial survey have served as a basis for additional research on laboratory recruitment, retention, education, marketing, certification, and advocacy. Methods: The 2015 wage survey was conducted through collaboration between the ASCP's Institute of Science, Technology, & Policy in Washington, DC, and the ASCP Board of Certification in Chicago, Illinois. Electronic survey invitations were sent to individuals who are currently practicing in the field. Results: Data reveal increased salaries since 2013 for all staff-level laboratory professionals surveyed except phlebotomists and pathologists' assistants. Laboratory assistants and phlebotomists, regardless of level, continue to have lower salaries while pathologists' assistants and administration personnel have higher salaries than the rest of the laboratory professions surveyed. Conclusions: Survey results put emphasis on strategic recruitment and retention by laboratory training programs and institutions that hire laboratory professionals.