Registered Nurse vs Medical Lab Scientist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Medical Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Registered Nurse earns more on average — the national median is $27,393/year (39%) higher than a Medical Lab Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Medical Lab Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Medical Lab Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $103,069 | Registered +$35,561 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $87,047 | Registered +$28,726 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $102,380 | Registered +$36,487 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $79,439 | Registered +$27,600 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $75,418 | Registered +$27,362 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $90,176 | Registered +$39,589 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £55,328 | Registered $3,291 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$91,433 | Registered +$3,181 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Medical Lab Scientist earn more?+
A Registered Nurse earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $70,157/year for a Medical Lab Scientist — a difference of $27,393 (39%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Medical Lab Scientist?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Medical Lab Scientist demand is growing at 7% YoY. Medical Lab Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse to Medical Lab Scientist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Registered Nurse or Medical Lab Scientist?+
Registered Nurse has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.