Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Portage, IN: $51,860 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Portage, IN earns a median $51,860/year (≈ $24.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Portage's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $56,802 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portage, Indiana, the employment landscape for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is characterized by a modest workforce of 10 professionals. The projected median annual salary for this occupation is estimated at $51,860 for 2026, which falls considerably below the national median of $68,734. Local salaries range from $33,472 at the 10th percentile to $80,384 at the 90th percentile, revealing significant variance based on experience and workplace setting. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected for the following year, highlight the comparatively lower earnings available to lab technologists in the area, influenced by Portage's lower-than-average cost of living index of 91.3, which may provide some relief for local residents.
About the Portage Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,472 | $16.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,782 | $19.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,860 | $24.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,380 | $31.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,384 | $38.65 |
Median Salary Position
24.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portage
In Portage, IN, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,912 (2026 est.). At $51,860, the local median is 24.55% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portage: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portage Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Portage median: $51,860/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $53,685 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -24.55% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Portage, IN earn a median of $51,860 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.55% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.40% below the Indiana state average of $53,685.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portage has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portage, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $51,860 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,802 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,484
2025 BLS Actual
$50,330
2026 Current Est.
$51,860
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,484 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,332 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,227 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,891 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,205 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,860 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,437 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portage metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $42,484 (2019) to $50,330 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,437 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,953 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portage 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) | $33,472 – $39,782 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,782 – $51,860 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,860 – $66,380 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,380 – $80,384 |
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 Portage
With only 10 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Portage, it's crucial to consider how this limited workforce impacts potential earnings. The cost of living index suggests that residents face a slightly less expensive living environment, which could positively affect their purchasing power. Compensation varies among local employers; larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics typically offer better pay compared to private practices or community health centers. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, which compensate for less desirable hours, and the value of specialty credentials. To maximize medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Portage, professionals should focus on gaining certifications, seeking roles in larger institutions that offer comprehensive benefits, and remaining flexible with their work schedules.
More salary data for Portage, IN:
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 $50,330 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Portage 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 Portage 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