Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Clearwater, FL: $68,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Clearwater, FL earns a median $68,775/year (≈ $33.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Clearwater's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $68,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearwater, Florida, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can anticipate a median annual salary of $68,775 in 2026, slightly higher than the national median of $68,734. These professionals in the area experience a salary range from $39,960 at the 10th percentile to $106,601 at the 90th percentile, highlighting considerable potential for earnings based on experience and specialization. With 19 medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed locally, the job market indicates a level of saturation that may influence compensation dynamics, fostering competition among employers striving to attract top talent through structured salary offerings.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,960 | $19.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,742 | $23.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,775 | $33.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,032 | $42.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,601 | $51.25 |
Median Salary Position
0.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearwater
In Clearwater, FL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,641 (2026 est.). At $68,775, the local median is 0.06% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clearwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clearwater Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Clearwater median: $68,775/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clearwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $63,858 | +7.70% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +0.06% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Clearwater, FL earn a median of $68,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 7.70% above the Florida state average of $63,858.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clearwater has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clearwater, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,775 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,229 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,341
2025 BLS Actual
$66,746
2026 Current Est.
$68,775
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,341 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,465 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,305 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,859 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,466 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,592 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,746 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,866 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clearwater metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $56,341 (2019) to $66,746 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,866 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,525 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearwater 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) | $39,960 – $49,742 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,742 – $68,775 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,775 – $88,032 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,032 – $106,601 |
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 Clearwater
Analyzing the local job market reveals that Clearwater presents both opportunities and challenges for medical and clinical laboratory technologists. The cost of living index stands at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which means that despite competitive salaries, take-home purchasing power could be affected. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations tend to offer the highest pay, compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. Factors contributing to salary variation include shift differentials, specialty certifications, and overall benefits structures that employers provide. To maximize earning potential in Clearwater, professionals should consider diversifying their skills with additional certifications and seeking opportunities at larger institutions that may offer enhanced compensation packages and career advancement.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
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 $66,746 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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