Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Tualatin, OR: $57,978 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Tualatin, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,978 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tualatin's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,509 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,105) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical and clinical laboratory technologist field in Tualatin, OR, the entry-level salary is projected at $57,978 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $87,105, indicating a gap that many first-time job seekers will need to navigate. However, there is a clear path for financial growth within the profession; early-career technologists can expect advancements in their earnings as they gain experience and expertise, moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $68,186 within their first few years. Tualatin represents a favorable market for new graduates, given its growth rate of 3.04% in this field and the increasing demand for qualified professionals in healthcare settings.
About the Tualatin Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tualatin
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 Tualatin
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Tualatin, OR typically start between $57,978 and $68,186 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $77,034 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,105 — 26.73% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Oregon of $56,000 represents just 96.59% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($57,978/year) in Tualatin. 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 Tualatin
- 1Research the Tualatin market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $57,978 to $68,186, 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 Tualatin, 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 Tualatin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tualatin'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 Tualatin is $77,034 ( 132.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,978, experienced hygienists can earn up to $135,012.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,713
2025 BLS Actual
$56,267
2026 Current Est.
$57,978
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Tualatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,713 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,479 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,787 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,931 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,075 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,267 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,978 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,740 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Tualatin, OR grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,713 in 2019 to $56,267 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,740. New graduates entering the Tualatin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tualatin 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 Tualatin
Employers in Tualatin that actively hire new graduates in the medical and clinical laboratory technologist profession typically include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide structured onboarding programs. Obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by national professional organizations can further enhance starting pay. For those in their first few years, building a diverse skill set, especially in high-demand areas, can lead to relatively swift salary increases. Compensation can vary significantly across different types of employers; new technologists might find salaries rising through practical experience and by navigating opportunities that leverage their specific credentials. Expect realistic salary gains in the initial two to three years, as strategies employed during this period can lead to profitable trajectories in this growing field in Tualatin, OR.
More salary data for Tualatin, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Tualatin in 2026?
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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 Tualatin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tualatin 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