Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Mason City, IA: $34,032 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Mason City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,032 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mason City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,646 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($52,934) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of medical and clinical laboratory technology, Mason City offers a starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary projected at $34,032 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range and is a practical expectation for new graduates beginning their careers. As one gains experience, the potential for salary growth exists, allowing individuals to progress towards the P25 of $40,507 and eventually reaching a city median of $52,934 within the first few years. While this entry-level salary may appear lower compared to the national median of $68,734, the growth trajectory in Mason City presents a viable opportunity, especially considering the local labor market conditions.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mason City
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 Mason City
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Mason City, IA typically start between $34,032 and $40,507 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,279 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $52,934 — 22.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Iowa of $44,000 represents just 129.29% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($34,032/year) in Mason City. 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 Mason City
- 1Research the Mason City market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $34,032 to $40,507, 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 Mason City, 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 Mason City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mason City'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 Mason City is $47,279 ( 138.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,032, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,311.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,246
2025 BLS Actual
$33,028
2026 Current Est.
$34,032
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,246 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,696 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,212 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,083 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,028 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,032 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,067 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Mason City, IA grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,246 in 2019 to $33,028 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,067. New graduates entering the Mason City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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 Mason City
In Mason City, new graduates can find work primarily through larger hospital systems and corporate group practices known for their comprehensive onboarding processes. Employers in this sector often provide a structured path for professional development, which aids in early career advancement. To boost starting pay, new entrants should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications, which can make them more competitive in the job market. Initial salary growth in the first three years can be moderate, particularly as compensation can vary significantly depending on employer type and the credentials held. With strategic networking and continued education, new grads may see their pay increase as they move from entry-level roles into higher-paying positions within the healthcare landscape in IA.
More salary data for Mason City, 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 Mason City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mason City 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