Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Arlington Heights, IL: $71,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Arlington Heights, IL earns a median $71,543/year (≈ $34.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Arlington Heights's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $73,680 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington Heights, the projected median annual salary for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is $71,543, reflecting a competitive position against the national median of $68,734. The salary range in this area spans from $46,676 at the 10th percentile to $110,892 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a broad variation influenced by factors such as experience, employer type, and specialization. This analysis, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, indicates that the local market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is moderately saturated, with only 18 professionals currently employed in the region. Such figures suggest both a stable demand for qualified technologists and opportunities for competitive compensation in Arlington Heights.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,676 | $22.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,466 | $26.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,543 | $34.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,575 | $44.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,892 | $53.31 |
Median Salary Position
4.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington Heights
In Arlington Heights, IL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,216 (2026 est.). At $71,543, the local median is 4.09% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Heights Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Arlington Heights median: $71,543/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $72,706 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +4.09% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Arlington Heights, IL earn a median of $71,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.09% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.60% below the Illinois state average of $72,706.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington Heights has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington Heights, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $71,543 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,680 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,608
2025 BLS Actual
$69,432
2026 Current Est.
$71,543
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,608 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,778 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,772 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,309 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,432 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,718 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington Heights metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $58,608 (2019) to $69,432 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,718 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,110 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington Heights 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) | $46,676 – $55,466 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,466 – $71,543 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,543 – $91,575 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,575 – $110,892 |
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 Arlington Heights
Examining the local job market context, the employment of medical and clinical laboratory technologists is supported by a relatively inexpensive cost of living index of 97.1, which enhances the take-home purchasing power in Arlington Heights, IL. Employers in large healthcare organizations generally provide higher salaries compared to community health centers and private practices, driven by their capacity for enhanced benefits and shift differentials. The disparity between the lower and higher ends of the pay scale reflects factors such as specialty credentials, employer size, and potential for overtime. To maximize pay in this specific market, professionals should consider acquiring specialty certifications, exploring opportunities in larger healthcare institutions, and being flexible in shifts they can cover, as such strategies can significantly elevate earning potential.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, IL:
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 $69,432 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Arlington Heights 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 Arlington Heights 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