Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Cody, WY: $44,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,131 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,066 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,098) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field as medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cody, Wyoming, expectations regarding starting salaries are essential to understand. In 2026, entry-level professionals can anticipate an annual salary beginning around $44,131, which is considerably lower than the median salary for this profession in the city, projected at $67,098. This gap highlights that many early-career roles tend to start at a lower tier, though the potential for growth is visible; employees can expect to earn around $51,881 in the first few years as they gain experience. With continued demand for healthcare services in Cody, the market appears to be favorable for new graduates, offering an opportunity to develop skills and advance their careers while navigating this competitive salary range.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cody, WY typically start between $44,131 and $51,881 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,163 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,098 — 2.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Wyoming of $42,000 represents just 95.17% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($44,131/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $44,131 to $51,881, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody'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 Cody is $55,163 ( 125.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,131, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,294.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,034
2025 BLS Actual
$42,829
2026 Current Est.
$44,131
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,034 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,618 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,767 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,473 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,719 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,473 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,034 in 2019 to $42,829 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,473. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
Employers in Cody that typically hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs that facilitate a smoother transition into the workforce. To enhance earning potential, new medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Wyoming should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by national professional bodies. In the first few years of a career, salary growth expectations may vary; however, with the right credentials and a strong performance, it’s possible for entry-level professionals to see their compensation rise significantly. Understanding the compensation structure, which can differ by employer type and geographic market, is key to navigating the early years in this profession and achieving a stable financial footing while gaining valuable experience in Cody, WY.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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