Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Franklin, NJ: $52,792 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Franklin, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,792 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,826 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,090) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting pay for new medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Franklin, NJ is projected at around $52,792 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level tier in a salary range that extends to $131,890, showing a significant gap from the overall city median of $85,090. For recent graduates, this means a clear pathway exists for growth, with the possibility to reach a first-year salary closer to the $63,927 mark typically seen for those in the 25th percentile within their first few years. Franklin appears to be a favorable market for entry-level technologists, particularly for those prepared to build their skills and experience in a supportive clinical environment.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Franklin, NJ typically start between $52,792 and $63,927 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $79,098 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,090 — 23.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in New Jersey of $68,000 represents just 128.81% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($52,792/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $52,792 to $63,927, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Franklin'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 Franklin is $79,098 ( 149.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,792, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,890.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,713
2025 BLS Actual
$51,234
2026 Current Est.
$52,792
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,713 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,411 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,871 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,375 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,416 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,594 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,234 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,792 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,396 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, NJ grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,713 in 2019 to $51,234 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,396. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
Various local employers are eager to recruit new graduates for open positions in medical and clinical laboratory settings. Large hospital systems and corporate group practices in Franklin often provide structured onboarding programs that help new hires get acclimated. To enhance their earning potential, aspiring technologists may consider pursuing state licensure alongside optional advanced certifications recognized by national bodies. Such credentials can significantly influence starting salaries, often reflecting the variability in compensation that comes from different employer types and job market conditions. For those in their first few years, a strategic focus on gaining experience and exploring opportunities for further education can result in substantial salary growth, paving the way for more advanced roles within this vital healthcare field.
More salary data for Franklin, 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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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