Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Athens, GA: $65,839 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Athens, GA earns a median $65,839/year (≈ $31.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Athens's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.3), that paycheck buys what $70,534 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Athens, Georgia, the employment of 370 medical and clinical laboratory technologists indicates a healthy job market for this profession. The projected median salary stands at $65,839, slightly below the national median of $68,734, reflecting a competitive local landscape. Salaries in Athens range significantly, from $40,958 at the lower end to $111,461 at the top, encompassing a variety of roles and specializations. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlight the diverse earning potential associated with different employers and positions, suggesting that those entering this field may encounter varying salary scales depending on their specific circumstances.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,958 | $19.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,986 | $23.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,839 | $31.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,268 | $42.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,461 | $53.58 |
Median Salary Position
4.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Athens
In Athens, GA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,503 (2026 est.). At $65,839, the local median is 4.21% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Athens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Athens Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Athens median: $65,839/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Athens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $68,734 | -4.21% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Athens, GA earn a median of $65,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.21% lower than the national median of $68,734.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Athens has a cost of living 6.66% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Athens, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.343 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $65,839 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,534 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.13% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,740
2025 BLS Actual
$63,897
2026 Current Est.
$65,839
2019–2027 Growth
+31.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,897 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,839 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,841 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Athens metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 23.5% from $51,740 (2019) to $63,897 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,841 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,101 (31.12%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens 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) | $40,958 – $48,986 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,986 – $65,839 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,839 – $89,268 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,268 – $111,461 |
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 Athens
For those navigating the Athens job market, understanding the local cost of living, which sits at a below-average index of 93.343, is crucial for evaluating take-home pay. Employers such as large healthcare organizations typically offer higher pay compared to smaller private practices and community health centers. The spectrum of compensation here can largely be attributed to factors like shift differentials, specialty certifications, the size of the employer, and the benefits structure offered. To maximize earnings in Athens, medical and clinical laboratory technologists should consider obtaining advanced certifications, seek opportunities within large healthcare systems, and negotiate their salaries effectively based on their experience and expertise. By focusing on specialized skills and aligning with top-paying employers, professionals can enhance their financial position in this thriving sector.
More salary data for Athens, GA:
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 $63,897 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Athens 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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