Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in St. Petersburg, FL: $67,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in St. Petersburg, FL earns a median $67,950/year (≈ $32.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in St. Petersburg's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $67,411 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In St. Petersburg, Florida, the median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to be $67,950 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $68,734. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $42,278 and experienced technologists making up to $105,322 annually. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations, reflect not just competitive compensation but also opportunities for advancement within the local healthcare landscape. Such earnings indicate a favorable hiring environment for medical and clinical laboratory professionals, which has been bolstered by the ongoing demand for medical services in the region.
About the St. Petersburg Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,278 | $20.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,455 | $24.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,950 | $32.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,976 | $41.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,322 | $50.63 |
Median Salary Position
1.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Petersburg
In St. Petersburg, FL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,044 (2026 est.). At $67,950, the local median is 1.14% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in St. Petersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. Petersburg Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
St. Petersburg median: $67,950/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Petersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $63,863 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -1.14% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in St. Petersburg, FL earn a median of $67,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.14% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 6.40% above the Florida state average of $63,863.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Petersburg has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
St. Petersburg, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,950 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,411 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,665
2025 BLS Actual
$65,945
2026 Current Est.
$67,950
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in St. Petersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,665 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,776 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,569 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,129 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,692 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,089 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,945 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,015 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Petersburg metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $55,665 (2019) to $65,945 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,015 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,350 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Petersburg 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) | $42,278 – $51,455 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,455 – $67,950 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,950 – $86,976 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,976 – $105,322 |
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 St. Petersburg
Employment opportunities for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in St. Petersburg currently stand at 42 positions, highlighting a modest but stable local job market. The cost of living in the area, indicated by a slightly above-average index of 100.8, suggests that while salaries are reasonably competitive, professionals must manage their expenses effectively to enjoy a comfortable standard of living. Among various employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer higher compensation compared to private practices and community health centers due to their comprehensive benefits and specialized roles. Variations in pay are further influenced by factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the size of the employer. For those aiming to maximize their medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in St. Petersburg, pursuing advanced certifications and networking within larger healthcare systems can provide a significant financial advantage.
More salary data for St. Petersburg, 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 $65,945 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg 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