Clinical Laboratory Scientist Salary in 2026
Perform complex laboratory tests to detect, diagnose, and treat diseases.
Median Salary
$62,930
$5,244/mo
Entry Level
$48,800
starting pay
Senior Level
$81,400
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2010, the closest published occupation to Clinical Laboratory Scientist) at a national median of $62,930 per year (mean $67,350), or $30.26 per hour, with 332,940 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Overview
Perform complex laboratory tests to detect, diagnose, and treat diseases.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
333K
5-Year Growth
+8%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$30.26/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,244
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Clinical Laboratory Scientist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Clinical Laboratory Scientist Salary
$70,000
$5,833/month · $2,692/biweekly · $33.65/hr
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Clinical Laboratory Scientist field.
Entry-level Clinical Laboratory Scientists earn around $48,800, while the top 10% earn $88,450 or more.
Top Paying States for Clinical Laboratory Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $74,000 | +$11,070 |
| New York | $72,000 | +$9,070 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,000 | +$70 |
| Texas | $62,000 | $-930 |
| Florida | $62,000 | $-930 |
Top Paying Cities for Clinical Laboratory Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $74,000 | +$11,070 |
| Los Angeles | $70,000 | +$7,070 |
| Chicago | $66,000 | +$3,070 |
| Philadelphia | $64,000 | +$1,070 |
| Houston | $62,000 | $-930 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist from entry level to expert.
$48,800
0-2 years
$65,000
3-7 years
$81,400
8-14 years
$95,500
15+ years
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Clinical Laboratory Scientist Salary FAQ
How much does a Clinical Laboratory Scientist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the United States is $62,930 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2010); the mean is $67,350. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $48,800, senior professionals around $81,400, and top earners at $95,500 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
A Clinical Laboratory Scientist typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-2 years of experience. Key skills include Blood Analysis, Microbiology, Chemistry. Relevant certifications such as MLS(ASCP) Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
The job market for Clinical Laboratory Scientists is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 333K Clinical Laboratory Scientist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 8%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Clinical Laboratory Scientists the most?
The highest-paying states for Clinical Laboratory Scientists include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $74,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Clinical Laboratory Scientist salary?
To increase your Clinical Laboratory Scientist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Blood Analysis and Microbiology. Pursue certifications such as MLS(ASCP) Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 1-2 years of experience, you can progress from $48,800 to $81,400 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Clinical Laboratory Scientist Salary
How we calculate Clinical Laboratory Scientist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2010), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $62,930, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians; BLS mean $67,350; BLS hourly median $30.26.
- Entry-level ($48,800) and senior-level ($81,400) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +7% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 332,940 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 8% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $62,930; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Clinical Laboratory Scientist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Clinical Laboratory Scientist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Clinical Laboratory Scientist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Blood Analysis, Microbiology, Chemistry), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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