Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in DeKalb, IL: $69,957 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in DeKalb, IL earns a median $69,957/year (≈ $33.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in DeKalb's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $72,046 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, the projected compensation for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is estimated at $69,957 in 2026. This median figure reflects a competitive offering in comparison to the national median salary for the same role, which stands at $68,734, representing an increase of 1.78%. The overall salary range varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning approximately $46,822 and the upper 90% reaching up to $108,433. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate a stable employment landscape, given that there are currently 9 medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the area. This level of saturation suggests a modest but consistent demand for skilled professionals in this field.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,822 | $22.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,899 | $26.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,957 | $33.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,301 | $41.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,433 | $52.13 |
Median Salary Position
1.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeKalb
In DeKalb, IL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,611 (2026 est.). At $69,957, the local median is 1.78% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeKalb: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeKalb Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
DeKalb median: $69,957/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeKalb Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $72,720 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +1.78% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $69,957 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.78% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $72,720.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeKalb 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.
DeKalb, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $69,957 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,046 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,309
2025 BLS Actual
$67,893
2026 Current Est.
$69,957
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,309 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,453 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,358 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,905 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,573 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,275 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,893 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,957 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,084 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeKalb metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $57,309 (2019) to $67,893 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,084 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,775 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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) | $46,822 – $54,899 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,899 – $69,957 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,957 – $87,301 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,301 – $108,433 |
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 DeKalb
The local job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in DeKalb offers a salary experience that is closely tied to the cost of living, which is indexed at 97.1, indicating a slightly below-average living expense compared to national standards. This economic context means that take-home pay may stretch further, enhancing overall purchasing power. Major employers in the region include large healthcare networks and community health centers, which typically provide higher wages and benefits than private practices. The considerable pay disparity among technologists is influenced by various factors, such as shift differentials for evening and weekend work, additional specialty certifications, and the scale of the employer's operations. For those looking to maximize their earnings in DeKalb, focusing on acquiring specialized credentials and seeking positions with established healthcare organizations could prove beneficial.
More salary data for DeKalb, 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 $67,893 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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