Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Paragould, AR: $52,292 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Paragould, AR earns a median $52,292/year (≈ $25.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $60,175 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With only seven medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in Paragould, the local job market appears to be relatively concentrated. The projected median annual salary in 2026 sits at $52,292, which is significantly lower than the national median of $68,734. Salaries in the area range from $31,984 at the 10th percentile to $81,052 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, reflect a competitive local salary landscape that may influence job seekers trying to determine their worth in this specific market.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,984 | $15.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,832 | $19.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,292 | $25.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,934 | $32.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,052 | $38.97 |
Median Salary Position
23.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,068 (2026 est.). At $52,292, the local median is 23.92% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paragould Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Paragould median: $52,292/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $53,523 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -23.92% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Paragould, AR earn a median of $52,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.92% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $53,523.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould 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.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $52,292 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,175 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,838
2025 BLS Actual
$50,749
2026 Current Est.
$52,292
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,838 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,693 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,612 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,273 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,015 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,538 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,749 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,292 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,881 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $42,838 (2019) to $50,749 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,881 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,043 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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) | $31,984 – $40,832 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,832 – $52,292 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,292 – $66,934 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,934 – $81,052 |
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 Paragould
In Paragould, the cost of living index of 86.9 indicates that overall living expenses are below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power for those in this field. Most competitive salaries among medical and clinical laboratory technologists are likely found in large healthcare organizations, as these institutions can offer more comprehensive benefits and potentially higher pay. Factors contributing to the salary spread include shift differentials, specialty certifications, and the size and reputation of employers, with larger facilities often providing better remuneration packages. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider seeking additional certifications or training to specialize, network with professionals in the field, and aim for positions in larger healthcare settings that can provide both stability and higher compensation in the Paragould AR market.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Paragould, 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 $50,749 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Paragould 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 Paragould 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