Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Moline, IL: $33,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,185 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,176 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,100) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates in Moline, Illinois, entering the medical and clinical laboratory technologist field can present a starting salary at the lower end of the scale, with projections indicating a pay of approximately $33,185 in 2026. This entry-level figure significantly lags behind the city's median annual salary of $53,100, highlighting a gap that those fresh out of school may need to navigate. While the immediate earning potential may not be high, there is a defined growth trajectory in the early years; entry-level technologists often see their salaries increase to $40,096 as they gain experience and skills. With an annual growth rate of 3.04%, many new graduates can expect to advance toward that median over three to five years, provided they remain in a supportive job environment and pursue additional training where possible.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
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 Moline
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Moline, IL typically start between $33,185 and $40,096 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,523 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,100 — 22.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Illinois of $54,000 represents just 162.72% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($33,185/year) in Moline. 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 Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $33,185 to $40,096, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, 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 Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline's moderate 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 Moline is $47,523 ( 143.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,185, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,708.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,593
2025 BLS Actual
$32,206
2026 Current Est.
$33,185
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,593 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,031 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,063 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,152 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,435 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,848 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,194 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,593 in 2019 to $32,206 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,194. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
Major employers of entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Moline tend to be large hospital systems and corporate group practices that emphasize structured onboarding programs for new hires. Candidates should consider earning state licensure and any advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body, which can significantly affect starting pay rates across Illinois. For those just beginning their careers, developing a strategic approach during the first one to three years is essential, as compensation can vary greatly depending on the type of employer, geographic area, and credential mix. Realistic salary growth in this timeframe often translates to incremental increases, and new graduates will benefit from seizing opportunities for professional development and networking within the field.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Moline in 2026?
How fast do medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries grow in Moline?
Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in Moline?
What do new medical and clinical laboratory technologists make right out of school in Moline?
How do I become a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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