Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Steamboat Springs, CO: $72,147 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Steamboat Springs, CO earns a median $72,147/year (≈ $34.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Steamboat Springs's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $68,711 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a median annual salary of $72,147, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is on the rise, showcasing a competitive edge over the national median of $68,734 for 2026. The salary range in this area stretches from $45,054 at the 10th percentile to $110,900 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy spread in compensation that reflects various levels of expertise and employer types. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, highlight a job market that has room for growth despite a small local workforce of just four medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed. This limited number of professionals may suggest a less saturated local market, allowing for greater opportunities in securing higher-paying positions.
About the Steamboat Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,054 | $21.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,506 | $28.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,147 | $34.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,672 | $43.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,900 | $53.31 |
Median Salary Position
4.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Steamboat Springs
In Steamboat Springs, CO, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,846 (2026 est.). At $72,147, the local median is 4.97% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Steamboat Springs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Steamboat Springs Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Steamboat Springs median: $72,147/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Steamboat Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $76,507 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +4.97% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $72,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $76,507.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Steamboat Springs has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Steamboat Springs, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,147 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,711 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,103
2025 BLS Actual
$70,018
2026 Current Est.
$72,147
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,103 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,282 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,843 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,626 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,249 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,018 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,147 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,340 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $59,103 (2019) to $70,018 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,340 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,237 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Steamboat Springs 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) | $45,054 – $58,506 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,506 – $72,147 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,147 – $89,672 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,672 – $110,900 |
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 Steamboat Springs
The cost of living index in Steamboat Springs is 105, which is slightly above the national average, impacting take-home purchasing power for healthcare professionals. Most competitive salaries for medical and clinical laboratory technologists tend to come from large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, where comprehensive benefits packages and opportunities for advancement contribute to higher earnings. The variance in pay is influenced by factors such as shift differentials for less desirable hours, the necessity of specialty certifications, and the overall size of the employer. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in this market, continuing education to obtain advanced credentials and exploring positions that offer additional benefits or incentives will be key strategies. Understanding the local hiring trends and networking within healthcare communities in Steamboat Springs CO can also provide valuable insights into lucrative opportunities in this field.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
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 $70,018 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs 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