Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $36,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Grand Forks, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,950 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grand Forks's local price level (BEA RPP 86.7 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,636 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,521) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For newly graduated medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Grand Forks, ND, the entry-level salary can often start around $36,950 in 2026. While this amount is considerably lower than the city’s median salary of $67,521, it serves as a realistic entry point for new grads. Over the first few years, new professionals can expect their earnings to grow, with compensation reaching approximately $49,838 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median within three to five years as they gain experience and skills. In the current job market, Grand Forks presents a viable opportunity for those entering this field, with a steady growth trajectory of 3.04% anticipated in the coming years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grand Forks
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 Grand Forks
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Grand Forks, ND typically start between $36,950 and $49,838 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,919 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,521 — 1.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in North Dakota of $38,000 represents just 102.84% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($36,950/year) in Grand Forks. 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 Grand Forks
- 1Research the Grand Forks market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $36,950 to $49,838, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grand Forks's below-average 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 Grand Forks is $50,919 ( 137.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,950, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,869.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,530
2025 BLS Actual
$35,860
2026 Current Est.
$36,950
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,985 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,073 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Grand Forks, ND grew 6.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,530 in 2019 to $35,860 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,073. New graduates entering the Grand Forks job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, major employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices frequently seek to hire new graduates for their medical and clinical laboratory technologist positions. These institutions typically offer structured onboarding and training programs, making them ideal first employers. Attaining state licensure and considering advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body can significantly enhance starting pay in North Dakota. Over the first one to three years, new grads can see their salaries rise significantly as they develop their credentials and gain experience, though they should be prepared for variability based on employer type, market dynamics, and the qualifications they hold. Realistic projections for salary growth in this specific market suggest that concerted efforts in skill development and networking can lead to an upward trajectory early in their careers.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
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 Grand Forks. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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