Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Fayetteville, AR: $53,530 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Fayetteville, AR earns a median $53,530/year (≈ $25.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Fayetteville's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.4), that paycheck buys what $58,597 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Fayetteville offers a median annual salary of $53,530 for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, which reflects a significant contrast to the national median of $68,734. The salary range in the city extends from $37,070 at the lower end to $97,797 at the higher end, indicating a varied compensation landscape influenced by factors such as experience and employer type. This data, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and projected for 2026, positions Fayetteville's medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries as approximately 22.12% below the national average. As the demand for healthcare professionals grows, particularly in a city with a cost of living index of 91.353, it becomes increasingly important for professionals to understand the local job market and their earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,070 | $17.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,411 | $20.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,530 | $25.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,883 | $40.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,797 | $47.02 |
Median Salary Position
22.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, AR, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,727 (2026 est.). At $53,530, the local median is 22.12% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fayetteville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fayetteville Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Fayetteville median: $53,530/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fayetteville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $68,734 | -22.12% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Fayetteville, AR earn a median of $53,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.12% lower than the national median of $68,734.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fayetteville has a cost of living 8.65% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fayetteville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 91.353 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $53,530 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,597 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.47% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,800
2025 BLS Actual
$51,951
2026 Current Est.
$53,530
2019–2027 Growth
+20.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,951 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,530 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,158 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fayetteville metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 13.4% from $45,800 (2019) to $51,951 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,158 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,358 (20.43%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fayetteville 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) | $37,070 – $42,411 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,411 – $53,530 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,530 – $83,883 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,883 – $97,797 |
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 Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, the healthcare sector employs around 540 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, creating a stable job market for these professionals. Despite the lower cost of living, which enhances take-home purchasing power, local salaries can vary widely. Employers such as large healthcare organizations tend to offer higher pay compared to private practices or community health centers. The disparities in compensation often stem from factors including shift differentials, specialized credentials, and the benefits structure that larger employers can provide. For those keen to maximize their salary in this environment, pursuing advanced certifications or seeking opportunities in more lucrative sectors such as specialty clinics can be effective strategies. Understanding the specific dynamics of the Fayetteville AR market is crucial for healthcare professionals aiming to enhance their medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay.
More salary data for Fayetteville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Fayetteville, AR in 2026?
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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 $51,951 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Fayetteville 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