Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary in 2026
Medical laboratory technologists perform complex tests on patient samples to help diagnose diseases and monitor treatments. They operate sophisticated lab equipment and analyze results.
Median Salary
$62,930
$5,244/mo
Entry Level
$50,600
starting pay
Senior Level
$80,900
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2010) 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.
Medical Laboratory Technologist Overview
Medical laboratory technologists perform complex tests on patient samples to help diagnose diseases and monitor treatments. They operate sophisticated lab equipment and analyze results.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
333K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$30.26/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,244
Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Medical Laboratory Technologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary
$71,000
$5,917/month · $2,731/biweekly · $34.13/hr
Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Medical Laboratory Technologist field.
Entry-level Medical Laboratory Technologists earn around $50,600, while the top 10% earn $90,450 or more.
Top Paying States for Medical Laboratory Technologists
| 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 Medical Laboratory Technologists
| 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.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Medical Laboratory Technologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Medical Laboratory Technologist from entry level to expert.
$50,600
0-2 years
$66,000
3-7 years
$80,900
8-14 years
$100,000
15+ years
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Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Medical Laboratory Technologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Medical Laboratory Technologist 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 $50,600, senior professionals around $80,900, and top earners at $100,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Medical Laboratory Technologist?
A Medical Laboratory Technologist typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry Analysis. Relevant certifications such as ASCP Certification or AMT Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Medical Laboratory Technologists?
The job market for Medical Laboratory Technologists is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 333K Medical Laboratory Technologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Medical Laboratory Technologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Medical Laboratory Technologists include California, Texas, New York. 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 Medical Laboratory Technologist salary?
To increase your Medical Laboratory Technologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Hematology and Microbiology. Pursue certifications such as ASCP Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Houston. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $50,600 to $80,900 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Medical Laboratory Technologist Salary
How we calculate Medical Laboratory Technologist 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 ($50,600) and senior-level ($80,900) 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: 10% 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 Medical Laboratory Technologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Laboratory Technologist 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: Medical Laboratory Technologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry Analysis), 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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