Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $43,022 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,022 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.8 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,424 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,791) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the field as medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Great Falls, MT, the starting pay can be an important consideration. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to begin at around $43,022, with a realistic trajectory leading to about $51,225 as early career professionals gain experience and skills. This puts new graduates at a noticeable gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $64,791, reflecting both the early-stage experience and the potential for growth within the profession. Growth in this field is steady, with a projected annual increase of 3.04%, which bodes well for those who commit to their training and development early in their careers. Consequently, Great Falls appears to provide a viable market for newcomers looking to establish themselves in laboratory settings, offering opportunities for both learning and income advancement.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great Falls
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 Great Falls
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Great Falls, MT typically start between $43,022 and $51,225 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,218 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,791 — 5.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Montana of $44,000 represents just 102.27% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($43,022/year) in Great Falls. 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 Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $43,022 to $51,225, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Great Falls, 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 Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great Falls'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 Great Falls is $45,218 ( 105.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,022, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,240.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,660
2025 BLS Actual
$41,753
2026 Current Est.
$43,022
2019–2027 Growth
+72.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,753 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,022 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,330 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew 62.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,660 in 2019 to $41,753 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,330. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
Large hospitals and established corporate group practices in Great Falls are the primary employers willing to hire new graduates in this profession, frequently providing structured onboarding programs that facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce. Obtaining state licensure is essential, but pursuing additional advanced certifications recognized by national bodies can significantly enhance starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in MT. In the first few years of employment, salary growth can vary considerably due to employer type and geographic location. New professionals can realistically expect to move through entry-level pay brackets as they accumulate experience and credentials. With a focus on continuous learning during their first 1-3 years, new grads will find that strategic choices in their professional development can unlock doors to higher compensation and more rewarding roles within the medical laboratory field.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Great Falls in 2026?
How fast do medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries grow in Great Falls?
Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in Great Falls?
What do new medical and clinical laboratory technologists make right out of school in Great Falls?
How do I become a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Montana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
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 Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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