Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Rock Island, IL: $52,277 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Rock Island, IL earns a median $52,277/year (≈ $25.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Rock Island's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $53,838 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 28.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Island, IL, the salary for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is projected to reach a median annual figure of $52,277 by 2026. This figure positions Rock Island significantly below the national median of $68,734, reflecting a local market where only five individuals currently hold this role. For those working in this field, salaries are expected to range from $31,533 at the lower end (P10) to $79,580 at the upper end (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for local cost conditions, indicate a competitive but saturated job environment in the region.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,533 | $15.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,656 | $20.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,277 | $25.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,930 | $31.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,580 | $38.26 |
Median Salary Position
23.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Island
In Rock Island, IL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,047 (2026 est.). At $52,277, the local median is 23.94% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rock Island: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rock Island Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Rock Island median: $52,277/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rock Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $72,708 | -28.10% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -23.94% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Rock Island, IL earn a median of $52,277 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.94% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 28.10% below the Illinois state average of $72,708.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rock Island 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.
Rock Island, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $52,277 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,838 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,826
2025 BLS Actual
$50,735
2026 Current Est.
$52,277
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,826 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,681 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,599 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,261 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,002 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,735 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,277 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,867 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rock Island metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $42,826 (2019) to $50,735 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,867 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,041 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island 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) | $31,533 – $41,656 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,656 – $52,277 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,277 – $65,930 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,930 – $79,580 |
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 Rock Island
Given the current cost-of-living index of 97.1, acquiring a medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Rock Island, IL may stretch personal finances due to its below-average living expenses. Employers that tend to offer the highest compensation typically fall into the categories of large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which often provide more comprehensive benefits packages and potential for shift differentials. The pay disparity in this realm is influenced by various factors, such as the complexity of tasks performed, specialty credentials, and the overall size of the organization. To enhance earning potential, professionals should seek opportunities for continued education and certification, as well as explore positions in larger facilities that may offer not only higher base pay but also additional compensation through overtime and incentives.
More salary data for Rock Island, 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 $50,735 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Rock Island 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 Rock Island 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