Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Camden, NJ: $39,761 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Camden, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,761 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camden's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,515 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,745) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates pursuing a career as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Camden, New Jersey, can anticipate a starting salary around $39,761 in 2026. This entry-level position provides a clear pathway within the broader context of a projected median salary of $63,745 for technologists in the city. Given the entry point, there is a significant gap to the median, but with potential growth, new graduates can look forward to salary increases as they gain experience—moving towards $48,050 at the 25th percentile. Camden presents a viable market for early-career professionals, particularly as the demand for medical and clinical laboratory services continues to rise, signaling a favorable outlook for competitive starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Camden.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camden
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 Camden
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Camden, NJ typically start between $39,761 and $48,050 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,043 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,745 — 7.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in New Jersey of $68,000 represents just 171.02% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($39,761/year) in Camden. 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 Camden
- 1Research the Camden market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $39,761 to $48,050, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camden, 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 Camden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Camden's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Compensation Range
The medical and clinical laboratory technologist wage spread in Camden is $59,043 ( 148.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,761, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,804.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,664
2025 BLS Actual
$38,588
2026 Current Est.
$39,761
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,664 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,029 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,466 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,195 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,588 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,761 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,970 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Camden, NJ grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,664 in 2019 to $38,588 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,970. New graduates entering the Camden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camden 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 Camden
Employers in Camden, such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices, frequently seek to hire new graduates, making it essential for aspiring technologists to consider organizations known for comprehensive onboarding programs. To elevate entry-level prospects, obtaining state licensure, coupled with optional advanced certifications from national professional bodies, can enhance one's value and starting pay in New Jersey. The first few years in this field can provide solid opportunities for learning and advancement; however, compensation differs greatly by the type of employer and region. As new grads navigate their careers, they can realistically expect incremental salary growth in the first three years, substantially influenced by their credentials and the employer's structure, encouraging continuous education and skill enhancement in a dynamic healthcare market.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Camden in 2026?
How fast do medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries grow in Camden?
Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in Camden?
What do new medical and clinical laboratory technologists make right out of school in Camden?
How do I become a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in New Jersey?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Camden. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camden 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