Med Lab Scientist Salary

Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Menomonee Falls, WI: $41,319 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Menomonee Falls, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,319 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonee Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 93.47% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,239 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,423) within a few years of clinical practice.

$41,319
Starting Salary
$19.87/hr
Starting Hourly
$41,319
Entry Level
$66,423
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Entry Level Salary in Menomonee Falls, WI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Menomonee Falls, WI medical and clinical laboratory technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

New graduates entering the medical and clinical laboratory technologist field in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin can expect an entry-level salary starting around $41,319 in 2026. This is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $66,423, creating a notable gap for early-career professionals. However, as new technologists gain experience, they can see their salaries rise from this initial figure to approximately $50,015 within a few years, potentially reaching the median salary with continued professional development and experience. For those emerging from programs in 2026, Menomonee Falls presents a decent market for entry-level positions, despite slightly lower starting pay compared to the national average of $68,734 for similar roles.

About the Menomonee Falls Market

Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonee Falls

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$41,319/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$50,015/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$66,423/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$84,768/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Menomonee Falls

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Menomonee Falls. The median salary is $66,423, compared to the national median of $68,734.$37.2K$54.3K$71.5K$88.6K$105.8K$41.3K10th Pctl$50.0K25th Pctl$66.4KMedian$84.8K75th Pctl$100.7K90th PctlUS Median$68.7K

Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Menomonee Falls, WI typically start between $41,319 and $50,015 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,413 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,4233.36% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in the Menomonee Falls metro area.

Return on Investment

$46,000
Avg WI Program Cost
$41,319
Starting Salary
111.33%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Wisconsin of $46,000 represents just 111.33% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($41,319/year) in Menomonee 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 Menomonee Falls

  • 1Research the Menomonee Falls market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $41,319 to $50,015, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Menomonee 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 Menomonee Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Menomonee 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 Menomonee Falls is $59,413 ( 143.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,319, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,732.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$31,866

2025 BLS Actual

$40,100

2026 Current Est.

$41,319

2019–2027 Growth

+33.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Menomonee Falls (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Menomonee Falls. Baseline $31,866 in 2025, projected to $42,575 by 2027.$28.9K$32.9K$36.9K$40.9K$44.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$31.9K$32.4K$31.2K$36.3K$37.9K$38.7K$40.1K$41.3K$42.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$31,866Actual
2020$32,412Actual
2021$31,206Actual
2022$36,297Actual
2023$37,895Actual
2024$38,677Actual
2025$40,100Actual
2026(current)$41,319Estimated
2027$42,575Projected

Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonee Falls, WI grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,866 in 2019 to $40,100 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,575. New graduates entering the Menomonee Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonee Falls metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Menomonee Falls

Employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices in Menomonee Falls actively seek new graduates ready for structured onboarding, creating ample opportunities for those looking to enter the workforce. To maximize starting pay in Wisconsin, obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing additional certifications recognized by national bodies can make candidates more competitive. Strategy for newcomers in the first couple of years should focus on embracing continuous learning and seeking diverse clinical experiences to enhance their skills and credentials. While entry-level pay might feel modest, there exists potential for growth, with realistic expectations for salary increases as experience and competencies develop in a field where compensation varies based on employer type and market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Menomonee Falls in 2026?

Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Menomonee Falls start at approximately $41,319/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.04% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $19.86/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries grow in Menomonee Falls?

Most medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Menomonee Falls progress from the entry-level salary of $41,319 to the area median of $66,423 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $100,732 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in Menomonee Falls?

With a starting salary of $41,319/year in Menomonee Falls and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical and clinical laboratory technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical and clinical laboratory technologists make right out of school in Menomonee Falls?

New clinical laboratory science graduates in Menomonee Falls typically start near the 10th percentile at $41,319/year, or approximately $19.86/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Wisconsin?

To become a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Wisconsin, you typically need bachelor's degree in medical technology or life sciences., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Wisconsin, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical and clinical laboratory technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wisconsin

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jerome Patel, BS, MT(ASCP)Data verified by Fatima Hussain, MS, CLS

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 Menomonee Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Menomonee Falls is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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