Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Opelika, AL: $59,021 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Opelika, AL earns a median $59,021/year (≈ $28.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Opelika's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $67,146 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.5% above the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $59,021, reflecting a competitive compensation level compared to the national median of $68,734. The salary range for these professionals locally spans from $39,799 at the 10th percentile to $91,483 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for those in the field. Based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, these figures are reflective of both the local demand for skilled labor and the cost of living adjustments in the area. While there are only seven medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in Opelika, this small workforce also suggests a tighter job market, where opportunities may be highly focused.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,799 | $19.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,581 | $22.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,021 | $28.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,547 | $36.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,483 | $43.98 |
Median Salary Position
14.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Opelika
In Opelika, AL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,684 (2026 est.). At $59,021, the local median is 14.13% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Opelika: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Opelika Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Opelika median: $59,021/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Opelika Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $52,934 | +11.50% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -14.13% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Opelika, AL earn a median of $59,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.13% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 11.50% above the Alabama state average of $52,934.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Opelika has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Opelika, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $59,021 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,146 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,351
2025 BLS Actual
$57,280
2026 Current Est.
$59,021
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,351 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,316 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,611 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,228 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,323 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,021 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,816 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Opelika metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $48,351 (2019) to $57,280 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,816 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,465 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika 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) | $39,799 – $46,581 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,581 – $59,021 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,021 – $75,547 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,547 – $91,483 |
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 Opelika
The cost of living index in Opelika stands at 87.9, suggesting that while salaries are lower than the national average, purchasing power may remain more manageable for residents. Local employers vary in compensation, with large healthcare organizations typically offering more attractive salaries than private practices or community health centers. The disparity between lower and higher pay can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, the need for specialty credentials, and the scale of operations within larger medical facilities. To maximize earning potential within the Opelika market, professionals should consider obtaining additional certifications and actively pursue positions at larger institutions that typically provide better benefits and pay structures.
More salary data for Opelika, 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 $57,280 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Opelika 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
Salary data for Opelika 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