Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Marion, IA: $54,977 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Marion, IA earns a median $54,977/year (≈ $26.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Marion's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $60,815 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marion, Iowa, the projected salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 is $54,977, which reveals a gap when compared to the national median of $68,734. Salaries in this occupation can vary widely, with a range from $34,170 at the 10th percentile to $84,910 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, indicate a moderate earning potential amid local market conditions. The income reflects a demand for skilled laboratory professionals in the area, even as the figures fall short of state and national averages, highlighting the unique economic environment in Marion.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,170 | $16.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,246 | $19.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,977 | $26.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,036 | $33.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,910 | $40.82 |
Median Salary Position
20.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marion
In Marion, IA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,740 (2026 est.). At $54,977, the local median is 20.01% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marion: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marion Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Marion median: $54,977/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $55,928 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -20.01% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Marion, IA earn a median of $54,977 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.01% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.70% below the Iowa state average of $55,928.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marion has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Marion, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $54,977 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,815 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,038
2025 BLS Actual
$53,355
2026 Current Est.
$54,977
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,038 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,936 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,006 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,649 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,532 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,668 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,355 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,977 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,648 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marion metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $45,038 (2019) to $53,355 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,648 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,610 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marion 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) | $34,170 – $41,246 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,246 – $54,977 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,977 – $70,036 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,036 – $84,910 |
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 Marion
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Marion is marked by a small but stable number of positions, with six professionals currently employed in this field. The cost-of-living index sits at 90.4, which suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power may be less strained in this locale. For technologists seeking higher compensation, large healthcare organizations typically offer the best wages compared to private practices or community health centers. Factors like shift differentials, specialty certifications, and the size of the employing facility can significantly influence earnings. Maximizing salary potential in Marion may involve pursuing specialty credentials, considering roles in larger healthcare networks, and seeking opportunities for career advancement within institutions that provide comprehensive benefits and shift incentives.
More salary data for Marion, IA:
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 $53,355 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Marion 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 Marion 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