Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Kenmore, WA: $41,610 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Kenmore, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,610 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenmore's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,743 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,006) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the role of a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Kenmore, Washington, the entry-level salary starts at around $41,610, which reflects the lower end of the salary spectrum for this occupation. This figure is considerably below the city's median annual salary of $62,006, illustrating the initial financial gap many new professionals face as they embark on their careers. With experience, entry-level technicians can expect their salaries to rise to about $48,545 as they reach the 25th percentile over the course of 3 to 5 years, pushing closer to the median as they build skills and reputation in the field. Given the projected growth rate of 3.04%, Kenmore presents a reasonable market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, making it a viable location for recent graduates seeking to establish themselves professionally.
About the Kenmore Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenmore
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 Kenmore
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Kenmore, WA typically start between $41,610 and $48,545 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,339 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,006 — 9.79% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Washington of $58,000 represents just 139.39% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($41,610/year) in Kenmore. 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 Kenmore
- 1Research the Kenmore market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $41,610 to $48,545, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kenmore, 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 Kenmore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenmore'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 Kenmore is $53,339 ( 128.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,610, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,949.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,090
2025 BLS Actual
$40,382
2026 Current Est.
$41,610
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,426 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,552 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,161 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,166 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,382 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,610 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,875 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kenmore, WA grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,090 in 2019 to $40,382 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,875. New graduates entering the Kenmore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore 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 Kenmore
In Kenmore, several key employers are known to routinely hire new grads as medical and clinical laboratory technologists, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations often implement structured onboarding programs that help new professionals transition smoothly into the workforce. For those looking to enhance their value and starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in WA, obtaining state licensure, as well as pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the profession’s national body, can significantly improve initial compensation. In the first few years, professionals should anticipate their earnings to increase gradually, influenced by factors such as employer type and geographic market. It's crucial for new graduates to adopt a proactive approach during the initial 1-3 years by seeking opportunities for professional development, which can set a strong foundation for long-term career growth and job satisfaction in this essential health sector.
More salary data for Kenmore, WA:
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 Kenmore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenmore 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