Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Murrieta, CA: $77,533 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Murrieta, CA earns a median $77,533/year (≈ $37.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Murrieta's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $68,553 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a projected median annual salary of $77,533 for medical and clinical laboratory technologists by 2026, Murrieta, California, presents a promising opportunity for those in the field. The salary range spans from $48,863 at the 10th percentile to as high as $120,177 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market for professionals. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost considerations, reflect an employment landscape where only 25 technologists operate within the city. Given this limited workforce, demand could be strong, suggesting potential growth in both salary and career opportunities in the region.
About the Murrieta Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,863 | $23.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,966 | $28.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,533 | $37.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,243 | $47.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,177 | $57.77 |
Median Salary Position
12.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murrieta
In Murrieta, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,314 (2026 est.). At $77,533, the local median is 12.8% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murrieta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murrieta Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Murrieta median: $77,533/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murrieta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,689 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +12.80% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Murrieta, CA earn a median of $77,533 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.80% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.20% below the California state average of $77,689.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murrieta has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murrieta, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,533 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,553 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,516
2025 BLS Actual
$75,246
2026 Current Est.
$77,533
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,516 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,784 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,675 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,865 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,246 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,533 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,890 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murrieta metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $63,516 (2019) to $75,246 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,890 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,374 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murrieta 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) | $48,863 – $58,966 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,966 – $77,533 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,533 – $99,243 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,243 – $120,177 |
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 Murrieta
In Murrieta, the cost of living index is 113.1, slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to pay higher salaries, driven by the complexities involved in different specialties and varying benefits structures. The disparity in compensation is often influenced by factors such as shift differentials and the specific credentials that professionals bring. As you consider how to maximize your medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Murrieta, it may be beneficial to pursue additional certifications or seek roles in larger institutions, where wage potential tends to be greater. Staying informed about market conditions and networking with local professionals can further enhance your earning possibilities.
More salary data for Murrieta, 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 $75,246 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Murrieta 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 Murrieta 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