Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Lake Elsinore, CA: $77,457 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Lake Elsinore, CA earns a median $77,457/year (≈ $37.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Lake Elsinore's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $68,485 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Elsinore, California, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $77,457 in 2026, reflecting a local market that is clearly maintaining competitive compensation levels. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $68,734, suggesting a healthy demand for skilled professionals in this field. The salary range for these positions spans from $45,945 at the 10th percentile to $120,059 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating significant variation based on experience and specialization. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, further highlight the favorable employment environment for this profession, especially considering that there are 18 medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in the area, indicating a relatively balanced market saturation.
About the Lake Elsinore Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,945 | $22.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,608 | $27.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,457 | $37.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,958 | $47.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,059 | $57.72 |
Median Salary Position
12.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Elsinore
In Lake Elsinore, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,114 (2026 est.). At $77,457, the local median is 12.69% above the national median of $68,734.
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At 40 hours/week in Lake Elsinore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Elsinore Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Lake Elsinore median: $77,457/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Elsinore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,690 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +12.69% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $77,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.69% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.30% below the California state average of $77,690.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Elsinore has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Elsinore, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,457 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,485 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,454
2025 BLS Actual
$75,172
2026 Current Est.
$77,457
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lake Elsinore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,454 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,044 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,542 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,604 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,172 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,457 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,812 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Elsinore metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $63,454 (2019) to $75,172 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,812 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,358 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Elsinore 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) | $45,945 – $56,608 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,608 – $77,457 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,457 – $97,958 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,958 – $120,059 |
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 Lake Elsinore
When analyzing medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Lake Elsinore, one must consider the local cost of living index, which stands at 113.1, reflecting higher living expenses than the national average. This reality impacts take-home purchasing power, necessitating strategic career decisions for those in this field. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer higher compensation than smaller practices or community health centers, which can make a difference when it comes to overall salary potential. The broad pay range reflects factors like shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the benefits structure of the employer, leading to variations in pay levels. To maximize earning potential in Lake Elsinore, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking roles in larger healthcare systems, and negotiating benefits that enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Lake Elsinore, CA in 2026?
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Lake Elsinore?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Lake Elsinore?
How much does a medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per hour in Lake Elsinore?
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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 $75,172 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore 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