Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Berkeley, CA: $77,986 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Berkeley, CA earns a median $77,986/year (≈ $37.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $68,953 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Berkeley, California, is projected to reach $77,986, reflecting a notable 13.46% increase compared to the national median salary of $68,734. This local estimate encompasses a broad salary range from $49,540 at the 10th percentile to a high of $120,878 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation structure within the field. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, which are important given the area's elevated cost of living index of 113.1. As demand for skilled professionals in healthcare continues to grow, Berkeley's job market offers competitive salaries that align with local economic conditions.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,540 | $23.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,844 | $28.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,986 | $37.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,822 | $48.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,878 | $58.11 |
Median Salary Position
13.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,338 (2026 est.). At $77,986, the local median is 13.46% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berkeley Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $77,986/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,675 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +13.46% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Berkeley, CA earn a median of $77,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.46% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.40% above the California state average of $77,675.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,986 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,953 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,887
2025 BLS Actual
$75,685
2026 Current Est.
$77,986
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,887 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,162 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,515 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,099 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,523 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,685 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,986 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,357 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $63,887 (2019) to $75,685 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,357 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,470 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley 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) | $49,540 – $59,844 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,844 – $77,986 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,986 – $99,822 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,822 – $120,878 |
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 Berkeley
While Berkeley employs 23 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, the local job market presents various opportunities influenced by employer type, which affects earnings potential. Healthcare institutions, such as large hospitals and specialized clinics, tend to offer higher compensation packages, often due to shift differentials and benefits structures. The disparity in salaries can also be attributed to additional credentialing, with technologists holding specialized certifications commanding better pay. Given the cost-of-living realities in Berkeley, professionals should consider seeking positions in larger healthcare organizations that prioritize competitive compensation and offer advancement paths. Strategies such as continuing education and obtaining advanced certifications can further enhance earning potential in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
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 $75,685 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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