Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Faribault, MN: $42,537 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,537 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,185 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,790) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new graduates in the medical and clinical laboratory technologist field are set to begin at approximately $42,537 in Faribault, MN for 2026. This figure represents a substantial gap from the median annual salary of $67,790 in the area, emphasizing the entry-level wage often faced by newcomers. Over the critical first few years of employment, entry-level technologists can expect their salaries to grow as they gain experience, moving from the lower decile to the 25th percentile, which sits at $50,925. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.04%, the Faribault market offers an encouraging outlook for new graduates keen to build their careers in laboratory technology. Thus, despite being below the national median for entry-level positions, opportunities abound for those looking to establish themselves in the field.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault
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 Faribault
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Faribault, MN typically start between $42,537 and $50,925 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,891 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,790 — 1.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Minnesota of $56,000 represents just 131.65% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($42,537/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault
- 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $42,537 to $50,925, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Faribault'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 Faribault is $61,891 ( 145.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,537, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,428.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,805
2025 BLS Actual
$41,282
2026 Current Est.
$42,537
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,805 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,367 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,126 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,367 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,012 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,912 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,282 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,537 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,830 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,805 in 2019 to $41,282 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,830. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
Employers in Faribault that actively recruit entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists often include larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, which typically provide structured onboarding programs essential for new graduates. It is beneficial for aspiring technologists to pursue state licensure and consider additional certifications from the national body, as these credentials can enhance their starting pay and open up options for advanced roles. Within the first three years, individuals can realistically anticipate salary growth as they accumulate experience and demonstrate their skills in clinical settings. It’s also crucial to remain aware that compensation can considerably vary depending on the employer type and the mix of credentials. By strategically selecting employment opportunities and engaging in professional development, entry-level technologists can effectively navigate their early career path in the healthcare sector of Faribault.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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