Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Waukegan, IL: $72,804 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Waukegan, IL earns a median $72,804/year (≈ $35.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Waukegan's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $74,978 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Waukegan, IL, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $72,804, reflecting a slight advantage above the national median of $68,734. Salaries in this profession can vary widely, ranging from $43,716 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $112,846 for those at the higher end (90th percentile). These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional pricing adjustments, indicate a healthy job market for laboratory technologists in Waukegan, making it a favorable location for healthcare professionals seeking competitive compensation.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,716 | $21.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,607 | $25.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,804 | $35.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,189 | $44.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,846 | $54.25 |
Median Salary Position
5.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
In Waukegan, IL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,130 (2026 est.). At $72,804, the local median is 5.92% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukegan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukegan Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Waukegan median: $72,804/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukegan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $72,731 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +5.92% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waukegan, IL earn a median of $72,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.92% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $72,731.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukegan 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.
Waukegan, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $72,804 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,978 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,642
2025 BLS Actual
$70,656
2026 Current Est.
$72,804
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,642 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,832 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,242 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,013 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,656 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,804 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,017 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukegan metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $59,642 (2019) to $70,656 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,017 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,375 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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) | $43,716 – $53,607 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,607 – $72,804 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,804 – $93,189 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,189 – $112,846 |
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 Waukegan
The local job market presently employs 18 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, highlighting a stable demand for skilled professionals in this field. Despite Waukegan's cost-of-living index sitting at 97.1, slightly below the national average, the purchasing power remains beneficial for those entering the field. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer higher salaries, reflecting the complexity and demands of various roles within the medical and clinical laboratory landscape. The disparity in pay can also stem from shift differentials, specialized credentials, and the overall benefits structure provided by employers. To enhance their earning potential, technologists should consider pursuing additional certifications and targeting larger healthcare facilities, which are likely to offer more lucrative salary packages.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Waukegan?
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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 $70,656 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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