Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Decatur, AL: $51,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Decatur, AL earns a median $51,914/year (≈ $24.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 87.2), that paycheck buys what $59,526 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a median annual salary of $51,914, paying medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Decatur, AL, falls noticeably below the national average of $68,734 for 2026. The salary range in this area runs from $41,516 at the lower end to $81,502 for those at the high end, indicating some variance based on experience, skill level, and workplace setting. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, which project stable growth in this profession at an annual rate of 3.04%. Given Decatur’s cost of living index of 87.212, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Decatur reflects a more favorable aspect for individuals entering or advancing in this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,516 | $19.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,922 | $22.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,914 | $24.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,726 | $31.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,502 | $39.19 |
Median Salary Position
24.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, AL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,986 (2026 est.). At $51,914, the local median is 24.47% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Decatur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Decatur Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Decatur median: $51,914/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $52,919 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -24.47% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Decatur, AL earn a median of $51,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.47% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.90% below the Alabama state average of $52,919.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur has a cost of living 12.79% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Decatur, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.212 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $51,914 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,526 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,920
2025 BLS Actual
$50,382
2026 Current Est.
$51,914
2019–2027 Growth
+37.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,382 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,492 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 29.5% from $38,920 (2019) to $50,382 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,492 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,572 (37.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,516 – $46,922 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,922 – $51,914 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,914 – $64,726 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,726 – $81,502 |
MLS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Job Market in Decatur
The local job market employs approximately 90 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, emphasizing a relatively concentrated sector in Decatur. In terms of compensation, large healthcare organizations tend to offer the most attractive pay, often supplemented by comprehensive benefits that enhance overall earnings. The gap between lower and higher incomes can be attributed to factors like shift differentials, specialties held, and the size of the employer. For those looking to increase their earnings, obtaining specialty credentials or seeking positions at larger healthcare facilities may provide a beneficial path. Understanding the dynamics of local compensation can help professionals strategize effectively and optimize their earnings in the Decatur market, where how much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Decatur directly correlates with employer type and experience level.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $50,382 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Decatur metropolitan area. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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