Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Carol Stream, IL: $70,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Carol Stream, IL earns a median $70,487/year (≈ $33.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Carol Stream's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $72,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carol Stream, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists stands at $70,487 for 2026. This figure not only reflects a competitive compensation level within the local market but also surpasses the national median of $68,734 by about 2.55%. The salary range for professionals in this field varies significantly, with the 10th percentile earning $42,238 and the 90th percentile reaching as high as $109,254. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and take into account regional cost adjustments. With only 10 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in the area, this reflects a relatively concentrated job market, indicating limited competition for positions but also a unique set of professional challenges.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,238 | $20.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,960 | $26.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,487 | $33.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,223 | $43.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,254 | $52.53 |
Median Salary Position
2.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carol Stream
In Carol Stream, IL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,016 (2026 est.). At $70,487, the local median is 2.55% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carol Stream: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carol Stream Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Carol Stream median: $70,487/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carol Stream Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $72,667 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +2.55% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $70,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.55% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $72,667.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carol Stream 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.
Carol Stream, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $70,487 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,592 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,743
2025 BLS Actual
$68,407
2026 Current Est.
$70,487
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,743 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,895 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,831 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,374 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,785 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,407 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,629 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carol Stream metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $57,743 (2019) to $68,407 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,629 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,886 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream 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) | $42,238 – $55,960 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,960 – $70,487 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,487 – $90,223 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,223 – $109,254 |
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 Carol Stream
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Carol Stream, IL, shows a promising outlook despite a modest employment base. The local cost of living index stands at 97.1, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be slightly below the national average. High-paying employers in the area often include large healthcare organizations or specialized clinics, typically offering better compensation packages due to scale and patient volume. Factors that contribute to the variance in pay include shift differentials, advanced certifications, and the specific employer's operational structure. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential, pursuing specialized credentials and cultivating relationships within larger healthcare systems can be advantageous strategies tailored to the Carol Stream market.
More salary data for Carol Stream, 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 $68,407 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream 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