Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Buffalo Grove, IL: $71,373 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Buffalo Grove, IL earns a median $71,373/year (≈ $34.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Buffalo Grove's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $73,505 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buffalo Grove, Illinois, the demand for medical and clinical laboratory technologists remains steady, with a reported employment count of just 7 professionals in the area. The projected median annual salary stands at $71,373, slightly above the national median of $68,734, indicating a competitive local market for this profession. Salary estimates show a wide range, from $47,912 at the 10th percentile to $110,628 at the 90th percentile, suggesting potential for growth based on experience or specialization. These figures, drawn from state-level BLS data and regional price adjustments, reflect a salary landscape that can reward both entry-level technicians and seasoned professionals, making Buffalo Grove a viable option for those considering a career in this field.
About the Buffalo Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,912 | $23.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,169 | $27.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,373 | $34.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,277 | $42.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,628 | $53.19 |
Median Salary Position
3.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buffalo Grove
In Buffalo Grove, IL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,716 (2026 est.). At $71,373, the local median is 3.84% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buffalo Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buffalo Grove Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Buffalo Grove median: $71,373/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buffalo Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $72,681 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +3.84% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $71,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.84% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $72,681.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buffalo Grove 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.
Buffalo Grove, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $71,373 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,505 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,469
2025 BLS Actual
$69,267
2026 Current Est.
$71,373
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,469 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,636 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,158 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,267 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,373 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,542 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buffalo Grove metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $58,469 (2019) to $69,267 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,542 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,073 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo Grove 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) | $47,912 – $56,169 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,169 – $71,373 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,373 – $89,277 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,277 – $110,628 |
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 Buffalo Grove
While only a small number of medical and clinical laboratory technologists are currently employed in Buffalo Grove, the area's cost of living index of 97.1 signals a favorable environment for professionals aiming to stretch their take-home pay. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the most competitive salaries, often compensating staff for additional shifts or specialties that require advanced credentials. The significant disparity between the lower and upper salary ranges can be attributed to factors like shift differentials, employer size, and the benefits packages offered. To maximize earning potential in Buffalo Grove, it is advisable for technologists to pursue relevant certifications and seek out opportunities in larger institutions that prioritize quality and experience in their staffing. Doing so not only enhances immediate remuneration prospects but also contributes to long-term career advancement.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, 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 $69,267 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Buffalo Grove 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 Buffalo Grove 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