Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Lake Forest, CA: $76,282 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Lake Forest, CA earns a median $76,282/year (≈ $36.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Lake Forest's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $67,447 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lake Forest is projected to reach $76,282, surpassing the national median of $68,734 by approximately 10.98%. This local estimate reflects a salary range that spans from $49,172 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $118,236 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the diversity in compensation based on experience and skill level. These figures derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors, indicating that professionals in this field can expect competitive earnings in the Lake Forest job market. As local healthcare facilities expand, opportunities for skilled technologists in the area are likely to grow, further enhancing earning potential.
About the Lake Forest Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,172 | $23.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,258 | $27.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,282 | $36.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,641 | $46.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,236 | $56.85 |
Median Salary Position
10.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Forest
In Lake Forest, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,064 (2026 est.). At $76,282, the local median is 10.98% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Forest Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Lake Forest median: $76,282/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,680 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +10.98% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $76,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.80% below the California state average of $77,680.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Forest has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Forest, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,282 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,447 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,490
2025 BLS Actual
$74,031
2026 Current Est.
$76,282
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,737 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,996 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,502 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,502 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,042 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,282 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,601 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Forest metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $62,490 (2019) to $74,031 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,601 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,111 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Forest 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) | $49,172 – $57,258 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,258 – $76,282 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,282 – $97,641 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,641 – $118,236 |
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 Forest
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lake Forest shows strength with 14 employed professionals currently working in the area, despite a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which suggests that expenses are above the national average. Employers like large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the highest pay, providing robust compensation packages that often include benefits tailored to attract and retain top talent. Factors contributing to the income disparity within this role include shift differentials and specialty credentials, where those with advanced skills may command higher salaries. To maximize your medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Lake Forest, focusing on obtaining additional certifications and selecting larger employers can significantly enhance earnings potential while keeping in mind the local cost of living.
More salary data for Lake Forest, 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 $74,031 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Lake Forest 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 Forest 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