Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Wheaton, IL: $71,451 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Wheaton, IL earns a median $71,451/year (≈ $34.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Wheaton's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $73,585 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Wheaton, Illinois, offers a competitive median annual salary of $71,451 for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, which is slightly above the national median of $68,734 for 2026. The local salary range spans from $46,470 at the 10th percentile to $110,749 at the 90th percentile, indicating a need for varying levels of expertise and specialization within the field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences. This reflects a strong job market for technologists in Wheaton, suggesting robust opportunities for employment and advancement within healthcare institutions.
About the Wheaton Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,470 | $22.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,285 | $26.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,451 | $34.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,457 | $43.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,749 | $53.24 |
Median Salary Position
3.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheaton
In Wheaton, IL, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,279 (2026 est.). At $71,451, the local median is 3.95% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheaton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheaton Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Wheaton median: $71,451/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheaton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $72,687 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +3.95% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Wheaton, IL earn a median of $71,451 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $72,687.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheaton 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.
Wheaton, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $71,451 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,585 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,533
2025 BLS Actual
$69,343
2026 Current Est.
$71,451
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,533 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,701 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,227 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,974 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,712 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,343 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,451 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,623 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheaton metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $58,533 (2019) to $69,343 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,623 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,090 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheaton 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) | $46,470 – $55,285 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,285 – $71,451 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,451 – $91,457 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,457 – $110,749 |
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 Wheaton
Within Wheaton, only 14 medical and clinical laboratory technologists are currently employed, hinting at a specialized market that could present unique challenges and opportunities for professionals in the field. The local cost of living index sits at 97.1, indicating that the purchasing power of this salary may be more favorable than it appears. Typically, larger healthcare organizations tend to offer the highest pay among employers in the area, while community health centers and private practices might provide different compensation structures that can influence total earnings, such as benefits and shift differentials. To maximize earning potential, professionals should focus on acquiring specialty credentials and seek positions with organizations known for competitive compensation packages. Engaging with local networks and staying informed about shifts in market demand can also prove advantageous for those asking, "how much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Wheaton?"
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 $69,343 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Wheaton 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 Wheaton 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