Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Winona, MN: $43,832 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,832 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,499 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,011) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field as medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Winona, Minnesota, expectations for starting pay in 2026 sit at around $43,832, which serves as a foundation for new graduates. Although this entry-level salary is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $68,011 for the region, early-career professionals can anticipate growth over the initial years of their careers. In just three to five years, starting professionals may see their earnings rise to around $52,125, representing an upward trajectory that can lead to the regional median. Winona currently presents a solid market for new graduates in this profession, especially considering the overall growth rate of 3.04% annually suggests opportunities for salary increases and job openings.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Winona, MN typically start between $43,832 and $52,125 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,764 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,011 — 1.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Minnesota of $56,000 represents just 127.76% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($43,832/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $43,832 to $52,125, 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 Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $60,764 ( 138.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,832, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,596.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,804
2025 BLS Actual
$42,539
2026 Current Est.
$43,832
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,804 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,383 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,104 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,505 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,199 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,235 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,539 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,832 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,165 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,804 in 2019 to $42,539 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,165. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
Employers in Winona that commonly hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which offer structured onboarding programs that can help new professionals transition smoothly into their roles. To enhance earning potential, it is advisable for new graduates to pursue state licensure and consider obtaining advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body. In the first few years, salary growth expectations may vary, influenced by the employer type and individual credentials. Typically, new grad medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in MN could experience modest increments in the range common for entry-level positions, likely reflecting the disparity of compensation observed in the local market compared to the national medians. Building expertise and credentials early on would pave the way for increased financial reward and professional development.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries grow in Winona?
Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in Winona?
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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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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