Clinical Laboratory Science at Houston Community College

Houston, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

one of the larger campuses at 37,970 students in Houston, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,172 at Houston Community College come in 22% above the national median of $39,620 for Clinical Laboratory Science programs.

With a 123.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Clinical Laboratory Science career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Houston Community College ranks #6 among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Clinical Laboratory Science reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $48,172/yr (22% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$504K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
123.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,080
Out-of-state: $10,920
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$47,615
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Surgical technologists $62,830 +4.5% 93%
Health technologists and technicians, all other $48,790 +5.2% 48%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Surgical technologists
$62,830
+4.5% growth 93% AI-proof
Health technologists and technicians, all other
$48,790
+5.2% growth 48% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Clinical Laboratory Science Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Clinical Laboratory Science — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Houston Community College and 145 other schools.

Read the full Clinical Laboratory Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science Overview

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Houston Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Clinical Laboratory Science at Houston Community College?
This program scores 71/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Clinical Laboratory Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
What makes Houston Community College's Clinical Laboratory Science program stand out?
Among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs, Houston Community College's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates?
If Houston Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Clinical Laboratory Science. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Is there demand for Clinical Laboratory Science workers?
Job availability for Clinical Laboratory Science is strong — 79,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Houston Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in TX may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →