Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Carson, CA: $76,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Carson, CA earns a median $76,146/year (≈ $36.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Carson's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $67,326 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carson, California, the projected median salary for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in 2026 is $76,146, notably higher than the state average. With a salary range extending from $49,182 at the lower end to $118,025 at the higher end, this figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data with adjustments for regional costs. Compared to the 2026 national median of $68,734, the salary for this role in Carson is approximately 10.78% above the national benchmark. This competitive compensation is indicative of a specific demand for skilled laboratory technologists in the Carson area, influenced by various factors including the local healthcare landscape and employer needs.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,182 | $23.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,662 | $28.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,146 | $36.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,292 | $46.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,025 | $56.74 |
Median Salary Position
10.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson
In Carson, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,843 (2026 est.). At $76,146, the local median is 10.78% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carson Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Carson median: $76,146/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,700 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +10.78% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Carson, CA earn a median of $76,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.78% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.00% below the California state average of $77,700.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carson has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carson, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,146 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,326 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,379
2025 BLS Actual
$73,899
2026 Current Est.
$76,146
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,379 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,624 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,875 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,382 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,374 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,845 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,460 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carson metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $62,379 (2019) to $73,899 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,460 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,081 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson 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) | $49,182 – $58,662 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,662 – $76,146 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,146 – $96,292 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,292 – $118,025 |
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 Carson
As of this 2026 estimate, there are 21 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Carson, indicating a targeted job market within the healthcare sector. The cost of living index in Carson stands at 113.1, signifying a higher-than-average living expense which impacts overall purchasing power for residents. In terms of salary potential, larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the most lucrative pay scales for technologists in the area. The variation in salaries can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, the necessity for specialized credentials, and differing benefits packages among employers. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing advanced certifications and exploring opportunities within larger healthcare networks may prove advantageous in the Carson market.
More salary data for Carson, 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 $73,899 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Carson 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 Carson 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