Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Richardson, TX: $37,252 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Richardson, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,252 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richardson's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,804 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,227) 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 Richardson, Texas, the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary is projected to be around $37,252 in 2026. While this figure might seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $64,227 for professionals in the city, it is a foundational step towards building a rewarding career. Early career professionals can expect to see salary growth as they gain experience, with potential earnings reaching approximately $49,938 after a few years, highlighting the field’s ability to provide a viable upward trajectory. In Richardson, the labor market appears favorable for emerging talent in healthcare, offering opportunities that can help recent graduates start their careers on solid footing despite the challenges typical of entry-level positions.
About the Richardson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richardson
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 Richardson
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Richardson, TX typically start between $37,252 and $49,938 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,300 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,227 — 6.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Texas of $48,000 represents just 128.85% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($37,252/year) in Richardson. 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 Richardson
- 1Research the Richardson market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $37,252 to $49,938, 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 Richardson, 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 Richardson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richardson'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 Richardson is $62,300 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,252, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,552.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,729
2025 BLS Actual
$36,153
2026 Current Est.
$37,252
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,222 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,134 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,724 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,165 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,331 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,153 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,252 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,385 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Richardson, TX grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,729 in 2019 to $36,153 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,385. New graduates entering the Richardson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richardson 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 Richardson
Employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices in Richardson are known to actively recruit new grads in medical and clinical laboratory technology, often offering structured onboarding programs that support professional development. For those looking to enhance their earning potential in Texas, obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by professional organizations can further boost one’s starting pay. In the initial years within this profession, compensations are influenced by factors including the type of employer, geographical differences, and the specific credentials held. Realistically, most new graduates can anticipate salary increases in the range of 3% to 5% annually over their first three years, which aligns with the projected industry growth rate of 3.04%, providing optimism for a bright financial future in the health sector.
More salary data for Richardson, 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 Richardson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richardson 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