Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in South Burlington, VT: $40,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the South Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,964 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,579 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,711) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Burlington, Vermont, those new to the field of medical and clinical laboratory technology can expect to start with a salary on the lower end of the spectrum, with figures around $40,964 in 2026. This starting pay represents a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $65,711 for the region. However, the potential for career advancement is clear; within the first few years on the job, many new graduates will likely transition from entry-level wages toward higher earnings, estimated at $49,377 at the 25th percentile. Given the projected growth rate of 3.04% annual over the next five years, South Burlington may present a favorable market for new graduates, allowing for gradual upward movement as they gain experience.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Burlington
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 South Burlington
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Burlington, VT typically start between $40,964 and $49,377 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,439 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,711 — 4.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Vermont of $68,000 represents just 166.00% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($40,964/year) in South Burlington. 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 South Burlington
- 1Research the South Burlington market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $40,964 to $49,377, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Burlington, 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 South Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Burlington'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 South Burlington is $60,439 ( 147.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,964, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,403.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,591
2025 BLS Actual
$39,755
2026 Current Est.
$40,964
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,591 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,133 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,938 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,380 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,755 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,209 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in South Burlington, VT grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,591 in 2019 to $39,755 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,209. New graduates entering the South Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
Employers in the South Burlington area that hire new grad medical and clinical laboratory technologists typically include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured training programs. To boost their starting pay in Vermont, recent graduates should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing additional certifications recognized by professional organizations. As they navigate the first few years of their careers, it's essential for new technologists to strategically apply for positions that offer ongoing education and mentorship opportunities, as compensation can vary widely based on the type of employer and the individual’s credential mix. In the early years, salary growth can be promising, especially for those who engage in continued learning and specialization, allowing them to push their earnings toward the median range in the local market.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Burlington in 2026?
How fast do medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries grow in South Burlington?
Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in South Burlington?
What do new medical and clinical laboratory technologists make right out of school in South Burlington?
How do I become a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Vermont?
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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 South Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington 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