Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Benton, AR: $52,441 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Benton, AR earns a median $52,441/year (≈ $25.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $60,346 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Benton, Arkansas, is estimated to be $52,441 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $68,734. Salaries in this profession range from $32,102 at the 10th percentile to $80,774 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide disparity depending on various factors like experience and employer type. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account regional price variations that affect compensation. Given that there are only five medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in the Benton area, this limited market may lead to a more competitive salary landscape as the demand for healthcare services continues to rise in local communities.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,102 | $15.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,104 | $18.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,441 | $25.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,554 | $31.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,774 | $38.84 |
Median Salary Position
23.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,672 (2026 est.). At $52,441, the local median is 23.7% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Benton Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Benton median: $52,441/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $53,511 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -23.70% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Benton, AR earn a median of $52,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.70% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $53,511.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $52,441 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,346 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,960
2025 BLS Actual
$50,894
2026 Current Est.
$52,441
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,960 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,818 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,745 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,405 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,674 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,894 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,441 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,035 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $42,960 (2019) to $50,894 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,035 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,075 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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) | $32,102 – $39,104 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,104 – $52,441 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,441 – $66,554 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,554 – $80,774 |
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 Benton
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Benton shows potential for growth, with the projected annual growth rate at 3.04%. However, the cost of living index stands at 86.9, suggesting that wages may not stretch as far as in higher-cost areas. Employers in Benton—ranging from private practices to larger healthcare organizations—tend to offer varying compensation packages, with larger entities potentially providing better pay and benefits. Factors such as specialty credentials and shift differentials also play a role in salary variation. For those aspiring to maximize their earnings in the Benton market, pursuing specialized certifications and being open to shifts in larger hospitals or clinics can be effective strategies to enhance their overall pay structure.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
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 $50,894 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Benton 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 Benton 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