Medical Technician
Positions that involve technical work in medical laboratories performing diagnostic tests and procedures.
💰GS-0645 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0645
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0645:
Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations including chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking duties, or equivalent work in related fields applying comparable methods and techniques.
Education and Training Pathways:
- GS-3: Either completion of a full-time training course of approximately a year's duration in a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) school covering chemistry, hematology, blood banking, and microbiology with supervised practice, OR one year of study including at least 6 semester hours in chemistry/biological science.
- GS-4: Three qualifying options: (a) an associate-degree program with second-year certification from an accredited laboratory assistant school; (b) one year of study with 6+ semester hours in chemistry/biological sciences plus the GS-3 training course; or (c) two years of study with at least 12 semester hours in chemistry/biological science directly relevant to the position specialization.
- GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects appropriate to the position.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school or training program |
| GS-4 | 6 months | 6 months | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4-year bachelor's degree |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Graduate education if directly related |
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0645
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal medical technician position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0645
Eye Specialist
GS-0645 Medical Technician is the adjacent general clinical-technician series. Search it in parallel with 0640 for broader VA and DoD openings.
Surgical Technologist
Medical technician for surgical support.
Histopathology Technician
Medical technician with lab focus.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Perform laboratory tests
- •Collect and process specimens
- •Operate laboratory equipment
- •Record and report test results
- •Maintain quality control
- •Calibrate instruments
- •Prepare reagents and solutions
- •Follow safety protocols
- •Assist pathologists
- •Maintain laboratory records
🎯Key Competencies
Skill in performing laboratory tests in chemistry, microbiology, hematology, and blood banking.
Ability to properly collect, process, and store biological specimens.
Skill in operating laboratory equipment and instruments.
Knowledge of quality control procedures in laboratory testing.
Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
Knowledge of laboratory safety and infection control protocols.
Skill in providing technical support to medical technologists.
Ability to accurately enter and retrieve laboratory data.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0645
What is a Medical Technician?
GS-0645 Medical Technicians perform technical laboratory work: collecting and processing specimens, conducting diagnostic tests, operating lab equipment, and maintaining quality control. They support Medical Technologists with testing in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and blood banking at federal medical laboratories.
How much does a federal Medical Technician make?
GS-0645 follows a one-grade interval pattern with positions typically ranging from GS-4 ($30,795) to GS-8 ($47,265-$61,449). Most positions are GS-5 to GS-7 ($34,454-$55,486). Senior technicians and lead positions reach GS-7/8. Add locality pay and federal benefits.
What are the requirements for GS-0645 positions?
At GS-4, you need 1 year of general experience or 2 years of education above high school. Higher grades require specialized laboratory experience. MLT certification (ASCP or equivalent) strengthens applications significantly. Knowledge of specimen handling, laboratory safety, and quality control is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0645?
Yes. Military laboratory technician training and experience (68K, Hospital Lab Tech) directly qualifies. Your specimen collection, test procedures, and quality control experience translates directly. Veterans with medical laboratory backgrounds are valued at VA labs—your training is directly applicable.
What is the career progression for Medical Technicians?
Entry at GS-4/5 with progression to GS-7/8. Many technicians pursue bachelor's degrees and certification to advance to Medical Technologist (GS-0644) at higher grades. Lead technician and specialized positions offer advancement within the series. VA often provides education benefits to support career growth.
How do I apply for GS-0645 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Medical Technician' or 'Laboratory Technician.' VA hospitals and clinics are the largest employers. Also check DoD laboratories and IHS facilities. Emphasize your laboratory experience, certifications, and attention to quality control. Veterans with medical lab training have directly applicable skills.
Ready to Apply for GS-0645?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.