Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Rockford, IL: $83,424 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Rockford, IL earns a median $83,424/year (≈ $40.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Rockford's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $90,527 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.8% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected annual median salary of $83,424 for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Rockford, this figure is significantly higher than the national median of $68,734, granting local professionals a purchasing power advantage. Salary ranges in this field vary widely, stretching from $51,280 at the lower end (P10) to $108,797 at the higher end (P90), demonstrating a robust compensation potential dependent on experience and specialization. These insights are supported by the latest projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlighting a positive trend in the healthcare job market in Rockford, Illinois, as demand for skilled laboratory technologists continues to rise in tandem with the expansion of healthcare services.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,280 | $24.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,478 | $32.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,424 | $40.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,549 | $40.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,797 | $52.30 |
Median Salary Position
21.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockford
In Rockford, IL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,517 (2026 est.). At $83,424, the local median is 21.37% above the national median of $68,734.
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How Rockford Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Rockford median: $83,424/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rockford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $72,669 | +14.80% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +21.37% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Rockford, IL earn a median of $83,424 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.37% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 14.80% above the Illinois state average of $72,669.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rockford has a cost of living 7.85% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rockford, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.154 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $83,424 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,527 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.51% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,650
2025 BLS Actual
$80,963
2026 Current Est.
$83,424
2019–2027 Growth
+92.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Rockford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,963 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,424 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,960 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rockford metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 81.3% from $44,650 (2019) to $80,963 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,960 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,310 (92.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockford 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) | $51,280 – $67,478 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,478 – $83,424 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,424 – $84,549 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,549 – $108,797 |
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 Rockford
In Rockford, approximately 230 medical and clinical laboratory technologists contribute to a growing local workforce within a cost-of-living index of 92.154, which suggests that daily expenses are relatively manageable compared to national averages. This backdrop enhances take-home earnings for local technologists, creating a favorable environment for job seekers in the area. Typically, larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics are known to offer higher wages compared to private practices and community health centers, reflecting their ability to invest more in employee compensation and benefits. Variations in pay levels can also be influenced by factors such as shift differentials, specialized credentials, and comprehensive benefits packages. To maximize their earning potential, professionals might consider pursuing advanced certifications or seeking employment in larger institutions that prioritize expertise and flexibility in scheduling.
More salary data for Rockford, 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 $80,963 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Rockford 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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