Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Tulare, CA: $78,497 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Tulare, CA earns a median $78,497/year (≈ $37.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Tulare's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $69,405 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tulare, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary is projected to reach a competitive median of $78,497 in 2026. This figure reflects the local market dynamics, where 17 professionals are currently employed, providing insight into the area's job saturation and demand for skilled technicians. The annual salary range varies significantly, spanning from $48,178 at the 10th percentile to as high as $121,671 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living, indicate that the local salary averages are robust relative to national standards, where the expected median is $68,734. This suggests that pursuing a career in this field in Tulare can offer better financial rewards compared to other regions.
About the Tulare Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,178 | $23.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,642 | $28.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,497 | $37.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,476 | $48.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,671 | $58.50 |
Median Salary Position
14.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tulare
In Tulare, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,493 (2026 est.). At $78,497, the local median is 14.2% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tulare: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tulare Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Tulare median: $78,497/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tulare Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,720 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +14.20% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Tulare, CA earn a median of $78,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.20% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.00% above the California state average of $77,720.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tulare has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tulare, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,497 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,405 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,305
2025 BLS Actual
$76,181
2026 Current Est.
$78,497
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,305 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,589 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,971 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,462 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,578 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,267 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,181 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,497 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,883 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tulare metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $64,305 (2019) to $76,181 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,883 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,578 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tulare 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) | $48,178 – $58,642 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,642 – $78,497 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,497 – $100,476 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,476 – $121,671 |
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 Tulare
Considering the cost of living index in Tulare, which sits at 113.1, it’s important for medical and clinical laboratory technologists to understand the impact on their take-home pay. With only a modest employment pool of 17, salaries could be influenced by the limited competition among employers such as private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics. High-paying positions tend to be found within larger healthcare facilities that may offer additional benefits like shift differentials and potential bonuses for specializations. To maximize compensation, it’s advisable for candidates to seek certifications beyond the basic qualifications, leverage any relevant experience, and consider positions at institutions that are known for their competitive pay structures. These strategies can significantly enhance one's earning potential in Tulare's healthcare job market.
More salary data for Tulare, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Tulare, CA in 2026?
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Tulare?
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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 $76,181 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Tulare 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 Tulare 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