Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Buena Park, CA: $78,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Buena Park, CA earns a median $78,681/year (≈ $37.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Buena Park's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $69,568 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 is $78,681, which is approximately 14.47% higher than the national median of $68,734. With a salary range spanning from $48,675 at the 10th percentile to $121,956 at the 90th percentile, these figures offer a compelling overview of potential earnings tailored to local cost-of-living adjustments. Such data, derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, reflects strong compensation trends in the region, making Buena Park an attractive market for current and aspiring laboratory professionals.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,675 | $23.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,006 | $28.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,681 | $37.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,712 | $48.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,956 | $58.63 |
Median Salary Position
14.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buena Park
In Buena Park, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,281 (2026 est.). At $78,681, the local median is 14.47% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buena Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buena Park Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Buena Park median: $78,681/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buena Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,672 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +14.47% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Buena Park, CA earn a median of $78,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.47% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.30% above the California state average of $77,672.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buena Park has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buena Park, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,681 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,568 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,456
2025 BLS Actual
$76,360
2026 Current Est.
$78,681
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,456 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,743 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,626 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,751 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,535 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,073 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buena Park metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $64,456 (2019) to $76,360 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,073 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,617 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buena Park 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) | $48,675 – $59,006 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,006 – $78,681 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,681 – $100,712 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,712 – $121,956 |
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 Buena Park
The local job market features about 20 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, contributing to a heightened demand for skilled professionals in the area. A cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that expenses are above the national average, which impacts take-home purchasing power. Among various employers, large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the most competitive pay, often due to their ability to provide shift differentials and comprehensive benefits. To maximize earnings within Buena Park, technologists should consider obtaining specialty certifications, as these credentials can significantly enhance salary prospects. Networking within local healthcare establishments and staying updated on emerging technologies in laboratory science can further improve job opportunities and compensation.
More salary data for Buena Park, 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 $76,360 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Buena Park 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 Buena Park 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