Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Atlanta, GA: $71,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Atlanta, GA earns a median $71,574/year (≈ $34.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Atlanta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.1), that paycheck buys what $71,533 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.7% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With approximately 6,750 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Atlanta, GA, the job market shows strong demand relative to supply. Projected 2026 salary data indicates a median annual compensation of $71,574, which reflects a notable 4.13% increase over the national median of $68,734 for the same year. Salaries for these professionals in Atlanta range from $42,706 at the low end (10th percentile) to $115,142 at the high end (90th percentile). This information is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlights the competitive compensation that is available in this geolocation, suggesting that those entering the field may find lucrative and diverse employment opportunities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,706 | $20.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,562 | $25.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,574 | $34.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,100 | $45.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,142 | $55.35 |
Median Salary Position
4.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlanta
In Atlanta, GA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,436 (2026 est.). At $71,574, the local median is 4.13% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Atlanta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Atlanta Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Atlanta median: $71,574/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Atlanta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $65,845 | +8.70% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +4.13% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Atlanta, GA earn a median of $71,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 8.70% above the Georgia state average of $65,845.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Atlanta has a cost of living 0.06% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Atlanta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 100.058 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,574 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,533 — a 0.06% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,860
2025 BLS Actual
$69,462
2026 Current Est.
$71,574
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,749 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Atlanta metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 33.9% from $51,860 (2019) to $69,462 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,749 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,889 (42.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta 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) | $42,706 – $53,562 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,562 – $71,574 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,574 – $95,100 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,100 – $115,142 |
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 Atlanta
The local job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is buoyed by a cost of living index slightly above the national average, sitting at 100.058, which influences take-home pay and purchasing power in the city. Employers that tend to offer the highest pay include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, where experienced professionals can command higher salaries through shift differentials and specialty credentials. The variance in pay can be attributed to factors such as employer size, regional demand, and the complexity of the work performed. To maximize earning potential within the Atlanta market, candidates should focus on obtaining advanced certifications and seek opportunities in larger institutions, as this can significantly enhance both compensation and career advancement prospects.
More salary data for Atlanta, 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 $69,462 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Atlanta 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