Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Gresham, OR: $54,740 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Gresham, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,740 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gresham's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,353 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,770) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of medical and clinical laboratory technology in Gresham, Oregon, the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary is projected to be around $54,740 in 2026. This entry-level pay establishes a substantial gap when compared to the city’s median salary of $92,770, highlighting the gradual earning potential as professionals gain experience. Early-career laboratory technologists can expect to see increases as they move through the pay percentile ranks, with realistic advancements taking them from the 10th percentile to approximately $67,802 at the 25th percentile within just a few years. Gresham presents a favorable market for new graduates in this profession, indicating opportunities for career growth and stability in the coming years, particularly given the anticipated annual growth rate of 3.04%.
About the Gresham Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gresham
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 Gresham
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Gresham, OR typically start between $54,740 and $67,802 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,053 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,770 — 34.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Oregon of $56,000 represents just 102.30% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($54,740/year) in Gresham. 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 Gresham
- 1Research the Gresham market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $54,740 to $67,802, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Gresham, 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 Gresham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gresham'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 Gresham is $89,053 ( 162.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,740, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,793.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,216
2025 BLS Actual
$53,125
2026 Current Est.
$54,740
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Gresham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,087 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,203 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,919 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,740 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,404 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Gresham, OR grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,216 in 2019 to $53,125 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,404. New graduates entering the Gresham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gresham 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 Gresham
Major employers in Gresham that hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, often featuring structured onboarding programs to help new medical and clinical laboratory technologists acclimate to their roles. Pursuing state licensure, along with optional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body, can significantly boost starting pay in Oregon. First-year professionals should strategize their career advancement by actively seeking continuing education and specialization opportunities, as compensation varies widely depending on employer type and geographic factors. In this dynamic landscape, entry-level technologists can realistically expect salary growth that aligns closely with their credentials and the increasing demands of the healthcare industry in Gresham.
More salary data for Gresham, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Gresham in 2026?
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Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in Gresham?
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How do I become a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Oregon?
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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 Gresham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gresham 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