Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Van Buren, AR: $49,689 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Van Buren, AR earns a median $49,689/year (≈ $23.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Van Buren's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $57,180 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Van Buren, Arkansas, will offer a median annual figure of $49,689. This amount represents a significant divergence from the national median salary of $68,734, highlighting a purchasing power gap in this region. Salary estimates in Van Buren will range from $33,932 at the lower end to $76,738 for top earners, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization within this profession. These figures are adjusted based on regional cost considerations, with local labor data indicating that medical and clinical laboratory technologists will find their compensation lower than some neighboring markets. Despite this, the local job market for this role remains stable, allowing for potential career growth in the healthcare sector.
About the Van Buren Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,932 | $16.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,330 | $18.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,689 | $23.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,601 | $30.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,738 | $36.89 |
Median Salary Position
27.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Van Buren
In Van Buren, AR, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,806 (2026 est.). At $49,689, the local median is 27.71% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Van Buren: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Van Buren Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Van Buren median: $49,689/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Van Buren Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $53,544 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -27.71% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Van Buren, AR earn a median of $49,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.71% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $53,544.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Van Buren 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.
Van Buren, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $49,689 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,180 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$40,706
2025 BLS Actual
$48,223
2026 Current Est.
$49,689
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,706 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,518 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,292 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,171 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,689 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,200 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Van Buren metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $40,706 (2019) to $48,223 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,200 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,494 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Van Buren 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) | $33,932 – $39,330 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,330 – $49,689 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,689 – $63,601 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,601 – $76,738 |
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 Van Buren
Regarding the local job market, there are five medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in Van Buren, AR, which suggests a close-knit community of professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 86.9, the expenses in Van Buren are below the national average, enhancing the take-home purchasing power for workers in this field. Larger healthcare organizations typically provide higher wages due to greater resource availability, while private practices may offer less. Factors such as shift differentials, specialized certifications, and employee benefits contribute to the notable disparity in compensation. To maximize pay in this specific market, professionals should pursue additional certifications or training in specialized areas of laboratory technology, leverage experience when seeking employment, and consider opportunities at larger employers to access better financial packages.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Van Buren, AR in 2026?
Is Van Buren, AR a good place to work as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Van Buren?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Van Buren?
How much does a medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per hour in Van Buren?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 $48,223 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Van Buren 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 Van Buren 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