Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Leavenworth, KS: $39,460 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Leavenworth, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,460 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leavenworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,410 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,768) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new entrants into the medical and clinical laboratory technologist field in Leavenworth, KS, can expect starting salaries around $39,460. This entry-level figure is significantly lower than the city median salary of $64,768, highlighting a notable gap for fresh graduates as they embark on their careers. Over the first few years, there is potential for wage growth, with earnings anticipated to increase from the 25th percentile at $48,156, eventually reaching the median as experience and skills develop. Given the projected growth rate of 3.04% annually in this field, Leavenworth presents a decent starting market for new graduates, allowing them to build valuable experience while gradually increasing their earning potential.
About the Leavenworth Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leavenworth
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 Leavenworth
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Leavenworth, KS typically start between $39,460 and $48,156 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,930 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,768 — 5.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Kansas of $38,000 represents just 96.30% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($39,460/year) in Leavenworth. 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 Leavenworth
- 1Research the Leavenworth market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $39,460 to $48,156, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Leavenworth, 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 Leavenworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leavenworth'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 Leavenworth is $60,930 ( 154.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,460, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,390.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,432
2025 BLS Actual
$38,296
2026 Current Est.
$39,460
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Leavenworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,432 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,954 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,802 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,664 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,353 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,296 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,460 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,660 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Leavenworth, KS grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,432 in 2019 to $38,296 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,660. New graduates entering the Leavenworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth
Employment opportunities for entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Leavenworth typically come from large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often offer structured onboarding programs for new graduates. Credentials such as state licensure are essential, and pursuing advanced certifications from national professional organizations can further enhance earning potential in Kansas. In the first 1-3 years, compensation can vary greatly depending on the specific employer type, with hospital positions generally providing more competitive salaries due to their larger budgets. New professionals in this sector should prepare for realistic growth in their salaries as they gain experience and potentially move into roles with higher responsibility. In Leavenworth, dedicated new graduates can expect to see gradual salary increases as they transition from entry-level roles toward more advanced positions.
More salary data for Leavenworth, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Leavenworth in 2026?
How fast do medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries grow in Leavenworth?
Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in Leavenworth?
What do new medical and clinical laboratory technologists make right out of school in Leavenworth?
How do I become a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Kansas?
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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 Leavenworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leavenworth 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