Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Burlington, IA: $34,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,966 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,679 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,685) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the medical and clinical laboratory technologist field in Burlington, Iowa, the starting pay realistically begins at around $34,966 in 2026. This figure reflects the P10 percent point, indicating what new graduates might expect as they secure their first roles in this profession. Compared to the city median salary of $53,685, there exists a significant gap that highlights the potential for growth as technologists gain experience. Over the first three to five years, individuals in this career path can expect their salaries to increase from the P10 level to approximately $41,429, and potentially toward the city median, depending on their professional development and the employment opportunities available, making Burlington a viable market for new graduates currently entering the field.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burlington, IA typically start between $34,966 and $41,429 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,328 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,685 — 21.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Iowa of $44,000 represents just 125.84% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($34,966/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $34,966 to $41,429, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $46,328 ( 132.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,966, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,294.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,966
2025 BLS Actual
$33,934
2026 Current Est.
$34,966
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,966 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,428 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,408 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,716 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,068 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,069 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,934 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,029 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,966 in 2019 to $33,934 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,029. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Employers in Burlington that are likely to hire new graduates include established hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs tailored for entry-level candidates. To enhance starting pay in Iowa and improve job prospects, obtaining state licensure as well as pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body can make a significant difference. New graduates should focus on gaining diverse experiences within their first few years, as compensation can vary greatly depending on employer type, geographic factors, and credentialing. Realistically, those working toward advancing their careers in Burlington can expect gradual salary growth, capitalizing on opportunities for further education and training to maximize their potential earnings in this rewarding healthcare sector.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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