Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $39,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Idaho Falls, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,145 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Idaho Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 94.4 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,462 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,801) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Idaho Falls, the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary is projected to be $39,145 in 2026. While this beginning figure may seem modest, it indicates a clear upward trajectory for new graduates in this field. As they gain experience, many can expect to move toward the 25th percentile pay of $42,051, edging closer to the city’s median annual salary of $48,801 within the first three to five years. With a competitive entry-level market and continued growth in healthcare needs, Idaho Falls presents a favorable environment for recent graduates who are looking to step into this vital profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Idaho Falls
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Idaho Falls
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Idaho Falls, ID typically start between $39,145 and $42,051 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,180 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,801 — 29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Idaho of $42,000 represents just 107.29% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($39,145/year) in Idaho Falls. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on NAACLS-accredited MLS bachelor's programs and state university tuition data. The role is sometimes called Medical Technologist (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS); BLS aggregates these under the broader OCC 29-2010 'Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians' group code, which also covers MLT (associate-degree technicians, OCC 29-2012). National data and state-level wages reflect the combined group, since the 2024 BLS national OEWS file does not separately publish 29-2011 (Technologists) and 29-2012 (Technicians) at the national level.
MLS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Idaho Falls
- 1Research the Idaho Falls market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $39,145 to $42,051, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the clinical laboratory science field — employers in ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Idaho Falls, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Idaho Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Idaho Falls's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Compensation Range
The medical and clinical laboratory technologist wage spread in Idaho Falls is $55,180 ( 140.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,145, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,325.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,140
2025 BLS Actual
$37,990
2026 Current Est.
$39,145
2019–2027 Growth
+67.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Idaho Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,706 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,335 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Idaho Falls, ID grew 57.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,140 in 2019 to $37,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,335. New graduates entering the Idaho Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho Falls metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.04% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your clinical laboratory science Career in Idaho Falls
Employers in Idaho Falls that typically hire new graduates include prominent hospital systems and corporate group practices, both of which often provide structured onboarding programs. New entrants to the field can bolster their starting pay by pursuing state licensure as well as optional advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body. Given the diversity of employers in the region, starting salaries can vary significantly based on organizational type, geographic market, and the mix of credentials held. Realistically, new professionals can anticipate salary growth as they progress; within the first few years, many may see increases as they gain proficiency and possibly transition to higher-paying opportunities, reflecting industry trends and ongoing professional development.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new clinical laboratory science graduates. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Idaho Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.04%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical and clinical laboratory technologists (SOC 29-2010).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov