Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Kailua, HI: $86,163 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Kailua, HI earns a median $86,163/year (≈ $41.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Kailua's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $72,224 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, HI, the projected median annual salary for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in 2026 is $86,163, significantly above the national median of $68,734. The local salary range highlights considerable variance, with earnings expected to span from $54,725 at the 10th percentile to $133,553 at the 90th percentile. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, showcase the relative compensation competitive edge found in this locale, which is home to only six medical and clinical laboratory technologists. The limited number of professionals suggests a specialized market where wages reflect the unique needs of Kailua’s healthcare landscape.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,725 | $26.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,508 | $31.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,163 | $41.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,289 | $53.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,553 | $64.20 |
Median Salary Position
25.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kailua
In Kailua, HI, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,828 (2026 est.). At $86,163, the local median is 25.36% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kailua: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kailua Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Kailua median: $86,163/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kailua Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $86,946 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +25.36% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kailua, HI earn a median of $86,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.36% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $86,946.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kailua has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kailua, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,163 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,224 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,586
2025 BLS Actual
$83,621
2026 Current Est.
$86,163
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,586 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,994 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,804 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,246 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,764 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,975 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,621 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,163 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,782 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kailua metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $70,586 (2019) to $83,621 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,782 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,196 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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) | $54,725 – $65,508 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,508 – $86,163 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,163 – $110,289 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,289 – $133,553 |
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 Kailua
While the compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Kailua appears promising, it's important to consider the cost of living, which has a higher index of 119.3. This elevated cost can impact purchasing power and necessitates careful financial planning for professionals in the area. Typically, larger healthcare organizations or specialized clinics offer the highest salaries, while smaller private practices and community health centers might provide more modest pay. Factors such as shift differentials, unique credentialing requirements, and employer benefits can widen the gap between lower and higher pay. To maximize potential earnings in the Kailua job market, focusing on gaining additional certifications, considering roles in higher-paying institutions, and negotiating for better benefits might be essential strategies for professionals looking to enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Kailua, HI in 2026?
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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 $83,621 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Kailua 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 Kailua 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