Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Cherry Hill, NJ: $51,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Cherry Hill, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,206 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cherry Hill's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,450 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,541) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Recent graduates entering the medical and clinical laboratory technologist field in Cherry Hill, New Jersey can expect to start their careers with salaries around $51,206 in 2026. This entry-level pay reflects the beginning of a promising growth trajectory, as early-career professionals typically see increased earnings over the first few years, moving towards a more competitive median annual salary of $81,541 as they gain experience. The expected earnings can grow from this initial figure to around $61,972 at the 25th percentile, illustrating a clear path for salary progression. Graduates should find Cherry Hill to be a favorable market for new entrants into the field, given the local demand for laboratory services and the potential for clinical employment opportunities.
About the Cherry Hill Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cherry Hill
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 Cherry Hill
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cherry Hill, NJ typically start between $51,206 and $61,972 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $75,182 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,541 — 18.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in New Jersey of $68,000 represents just 132.80% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($51,206/year) in Cherry Hill. 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 Cherry Hill
- 1Research the Cherry Hill market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $51,206 to $61,972, 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 Cherry Hill, 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 Cherry Hill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Cherry Hill'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 Cherry Hill is $75,182 ( 146.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,206, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,388.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,490
2025 BLS Actual
$49,695
2026 Current Est.
$51,206
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Cherry Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,167 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,673 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,982 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,962 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,695 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,762 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cherry Hill, NJ grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,490 in 2019 to $49,695 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,762. New graduates entering the Cherry Hill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cherry Hill 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 Cherry Hill
In Cherry Hill, new graduates often secure positions with large healthcare facilities, such as hospital systems and corporate group practices, which prioritize structured onboarding programs for fresh talent. To enhance starting pay in New Jersey, candidates should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications that can increase their marketability. In the first few years, compensation can vary significantly, depending on factors such as the type of employer and the specific certifications held by the technologist. Realistically, while entry-level positions might begin around $51,206, with experience and trigger events such as additional certifications obtained, professionals can see a substantial increase in pay. This nuanced approach facilitates growth and maximizes the potential for a more rewarding salary as they progress in their careers.
More salary data for Cherry Hill, NJ:
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 Cherry Hill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cherry Hill 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