Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $68,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Phoenix, AZ earns a median $68,297/year (≈ $32.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Phoenix's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $66,105 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Phoenix is projected to reach a median of $68,297, positioning it slightly below the national median of $68,734. The salary range for professionals in this field varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $44,377 while experienced technologists can make as much as $108,742 annually. This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlighting that the Phoenix market presents opportunities, particularly given the healthcare sector's ongoing demand for skilled laboratory professionals. The contrast between the city's median salary and the national average may indicate unique local market dynamics, particularly in how employers value laboratory technologists.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,377 | $21.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,852 | $25.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,297 | $32.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,772 | $42.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,742 | $52.28 |
Median Salary Position
0.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phoenix
In Phoenix, AZ, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,365 (2026 est.). At $68,297, the local median is 0.64% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Phoenix: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Phoenix Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Phoenix median: $68,297/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phoenix Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $66,372 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -0.64% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $68,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.90% above the Arizona state average of $66,372.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phoenix has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phoenix, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 103.316 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,297 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,105 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,070
2025 BLS Actual
$66,282
2026 Current Est.
$68,297
2019–2027 Growth
+56.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,282 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,373 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phoenix metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 47.1% from $45,070 (2019) to $66,282 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,373 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,303 (56.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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) | $44,377 – $52,852 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,852 – $68,297 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,297 – $87,772 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,772 – $108,742 |
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 Phoenix
With around 5,160 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in the Phoenix area, the job market remains steady, although the cost of living index sits at 103.316, indicating that expenses are somewhat above the national average. This reality can influence take-home purchasing power, making it essential for professionals to consider both salary and living costs. Major employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer higher compensation compared to private practices and community health centers. Variations in pay can be driven by factors such as shift differentials, specialty certifications, and overall benefits packages. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential in Phoenix, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions within larger healthcare systems may yield the best financial outcomes in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
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 $66,282 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Phoenix 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