Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $34,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Sioux Falls, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,994 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 90.6 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,612 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,251) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of medical and clinical laboratory technology in Sioux Falls, SD, the entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary is projected to begin around $34,994 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest, it nonetheless represents a crucial stepping stone to greater potential earnings. The median annual salary for this role in Sioux Falls is estimated at $63,251, illustrating a significant gap that early-career professionals can bridge over time. With a growth trajectory that can see salaries escalate from the starting figure to approximately $51,487 within a few years, the market can be advantageous for those willing to advance their skills and experience. Given the favorable 3.04% annual growth rate, Sioux Falls presents a promising outlook for new graduates in this profession, particularly as demand ramps up for qualified laboratory technologists.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux Falls
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 Sioux Falls
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Sioux Falls, SD typically start between $34,994 and $51,487 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,618 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,251 — 7.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in South Dakota of $42,000 represents just 120.02% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($34,994/year) in Sioux Falls. 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 Sioux Falls
- 1Research the Sioux Falls market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $34,994 to $51,487, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sioux Falls, 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 Sioux Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux Falls'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 Sioux Falls is $53,618 ( 153.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,994, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,612.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,050
2025 BLS Actual
$33,962
2026 Current Est.
$34,994
2019–2027 Growth
+20.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,962 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,058 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux Falls, SD grew 13.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,050 in 2019 to $33,962 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,058. New graduates entering the Sioux Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls
Prospective employers in Sioux Falls that frequently hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations often offer structured onboarding programs, making them ideal for recent graduates who are looking to transition smoothly into the workforce. In South Dakota, holding the essential state licensure is vital; additionally, pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by national bodies can distinguish new technologists in the job market, leading to higher starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in SD. In the first three years, new graduates can expect realistic salary growth, especially if they proactively seek positions that offer continued education and support for skills advancement. The variance in compensation is influenced by factors such as employer type and geographic market, so being strategic about the initial job choice can pay off in terms of early career earnings.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
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 Sioux Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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