Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Irving, TX: $38,566 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Irving, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,566 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Irving's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,173 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,493) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irving, Texas, new graduates entering the medical and clinical laboratory technologist field can anticipate a starting pay that sets a firm foundation for their careers. The entry-level salary for these professionals is projected to be around $38,566 in 2026. When compared to the city’s median annual salary of $66,493, this initial figure reveals a significant gap that entry-level technologists will need to bridge over time. As they gain experience, new grads can realistically expect their earnings to grow from $48,246 at the 25th percentile to reach the median salary within the first few years. Overall, the local job market presents a favorable environment for newcomers, as the expected growth of 3.04% annually suggests steady opportunities on the horizon for those eager to advance in their careers.
About the Irving Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Irving
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 Irving
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Irving, TX typically start between $38,566 and $48,246 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,498 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,493 — 3.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Texas of $48,000 represents just 124.46% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($38,566/year) in Irving. 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 Irving
- 1Research the Irving market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $38,566 to $48,246, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Irving, 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 Irving for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Irving'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 Irving is $64,498 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,566, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,064.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,742
2025 BLS Actual
$37,428
2026 Current Est.
$38,566
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Irving (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,742 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,252 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,127 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,879 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,683 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,428 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,566 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,738 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Irving, TX grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,742 in 2019 to $37,428 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,738. New graduates entering the Irving job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irving 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 Irving
In Irving, several employers actively seek to hire recent graduates in the medical and clinical laboratory technologist profession. Large hospital systems and corporate group practices often have structured onboarding programs tailored to help newcomers transition smoothly into their roles. Additionally, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by professional bodies can significantly enhance starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Irving. For those looking to maximize their first few years in the field, focusing on continuing education and professional development becomes essential, as compensation can vary greatly depending on the employer type and geographic market. With realistic expectations, entry-level professionals can anticipate gradual salary growth over the first three years as they gain experience, with many moving towards higher earnings as they build their credentials and expertise in this dynamic field in TX.
More salary data for Irving, TX:
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 Irving. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Irving 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