Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Crystal Lake, IL: $69,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Crystal Lake, IL earns a median $69,228/year (≈ $33.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Crystal Lake's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $71,296 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Crystal Lake, Illinois, the compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to be competitive, with a median annual salary of $69,228 for 2026. This figure slightly exceeds the national median of $68,734, reflecting a cost-of-living index of 97.1, which suggests that the purchasing power in this city is on par for the essential expenses. The projected salary range for this role spans from $45,156 at the 10th percentile to $107,304 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, grounded in BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, illustrate not only a stable earnings potential but also an opportunity for upward mobility within the job market in Crystal Lake.
About the Crystal Lake Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,156 | $21.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,456 | $25.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,228 | $33.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,612 | $42.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,304 | $51.59 |
Median Salary Position
0.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Crystal Lake
In Crystal Lake, IL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,148 (2026 est.). At $69,228, the local median is 0.72% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Crystal Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Crystal Lake Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Crystal Lake median: $69,228/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Crystal Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $72,719 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +0.72% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $69,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.72% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $72,719.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Crystal Lake 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.
Crystal Lake, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $69,228 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,296 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,713
2025 BLS Actual
$67,186
2026 Current Est.
$69,228
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,713 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,844 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,709 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,261 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,891 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,575 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,333 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Crystal Lake metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $56,713 (2019) to $67,186 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,333 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,620 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Crystal Lake 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) | $45,156 – $53,456 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,456 – $69,228 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,228 – $88,612 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,612 – $107,304 |
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 Crystal Lake
In terms of local job prospects, there are currently nine medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Crystal Lake, indicating a focused market for this profession. The cost of living index, which sits below the national average, enhances the take-home value for professionals in this field as salaries can provide adequate financial comfort. Employers such as large healthcare organizations tend to offer higher compensation compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. Variability in pay can primarily be attributed to factors like shift differentials, specialized certifications, and the overall structure of employee benefits. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Crystal Lake, pursuing advanced credentials and seeking employment with larger entities would be strategic moves, considering the evolving needs of healthcare and the specific demands of local employers.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, 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 $67,186 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake 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