Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Springfield, OR: $58,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Springfield, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,076 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springfield's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,604 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,562) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the healthcare field as medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Springfield, Oregon, the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary is projected to be $58,076 in 2026. This entry-level pay is significantly lower than the city median of $90,562, highlighting the typical gap that many early-career professionals face. Over the first three to five years, it’s realistic to expect gradual salary growth: entry-level roles can advance from $58,076 to around $69,455, and eventually reach the median as experience accumulates. Current trends suggest that Springfield offers a positive market for new graduates, presenting ample opportunities to transition into more profitable roles as they gain practical experience and enhance their skill sets.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Springfield
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 Springfield
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Springfield, OR typically start between $58,076 and $69,455 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,295 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,562 — 31.76% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Oregon of $56,000 represents just 96.43% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($58,076/year) in Springfield. 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 Springfield
- 1Research the Springfield market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $58,076 to $69,455, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Springfield'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 Springfield is $82,295 ( 141.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,076, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,371.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,789
2025 BLS Actual
$56,363
2026 Current Est.
$58,076
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,557 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,018 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,263 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,363 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,842 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Springfield, OR grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,789 in 2019 to $56,363 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,842. New graduates entering the Springfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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 Springfield
Several large hospital systems and corporate group practices in Springfield actively hire newly minted medical and clinical laboratory technologists, providing structured onboarding programs that benefit fresh graduates. To increase starting pay in Oregon, it is advisable for new professionals to pursue state licensure and consider obtaining advanced certifications recognized by their national professional body. The balance of credentials and workplace status heavily influences entry-level compensation and future salary growth within the first few years. Realistically, those beginning their careers can expect salary increases in the range of 5-10% annually in this local market, contingent upon performance and continuing education, ultimately positioning themselves strategically for long-term advancement in this rewarding field.
More salary data for Springfield, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries grow in Springfield?
Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in Springfield?
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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 Springfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Springfield 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