Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Los Angeles, CA: $73,649 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Los Angeles, CA earns a median $73,649/year (≈ $35.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Los Angeles's price level (14% above national, BEA RPP 113.6), that paycheck buys what $64,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Los Angeles are projected to earn a median annual salary of $73,649, which exceeds the national median by approximately 7.15%. The salary range spans from $51,105 at the 10th percentile to $133,841 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026. These figures reflect the local demand for skilled professionals in healthcare settings, highlighting Los Angeles as a competitive job market for this occupation. With a notable employment figure of 10,150 individuals in the field, the prospects for growth and advancement are substantial in this vibrant city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,105 | $24.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,081 | $26.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,649 | $35.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,376 | $43.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,841 | $64.36 |
Median Salary Position
7.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,736 (2026 est.). At $73,649, the local median is 7.15% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Los Angeles: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Los Angeles Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Los Angeles median: $73,649/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Los Angeles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,689 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +7.15% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $73,649 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.15% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 5.20% below the California state average of $77,689.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Los Angeles has a cost of living 13.57% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Los Angeles, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.566 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,649 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,851 — a 11.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,680
2025 BLS Actual
$71,476
2026 Current Est.
$73,649
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,476 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,649 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,888 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 28.4% from $55,680 (2019) to $71,476 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,888 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,208 (36.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Angeles 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) | $51,105 – $55,081 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,081 – $73,649 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,649 – $91,376 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,376 – $133,841 |
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 Los Angeles
A closer analysis reveals that the cost of living index in Los Angeles stands at 113.566, indicating that while salaries are higher than national averages, they need to be weighed against elevated living costs. Notably, large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the most competitive salaries, often influenced by factors like shift differentials and specialized credentials. Those seeking to optimize their earnings in this market should consider pursuing further certifications, which can significantly enhance their pay potential. Additionally, targeting employment with larger institutions and negotiating benefits can further improve overall compensation. Understanding the dynamics of medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Los Angeles CA is essential for making informed career choices and maximizing take-home income.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Los Angeles, CA in 2026?
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Los Angeles?
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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 $71,476 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Los Angeles 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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