Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Mason City, IA: $52,934 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Mason City, IA earns a median $52,934/year (≈ $25.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Mason City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $58,555 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, the salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Mason City, IA, is projected to be $52,934 annually. This figure is significantly below the national median salary of $68,734, indicating a variance of nearly 23%. The salary range highlights this disparity, with entry-level professionals making around $34,032, while those at the top of their field can earn as much as $81,311. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, reflect a local job market with only four individuals currently employed in this role, suggesting a limited pool and therefore potentially less competition for positions.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,032 | $16.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,507 | $19.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,934 | $25.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,043 | $32.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,311 | $39.09 |
Median Salary Position
22.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
In Mason City, IA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,279 (2026 est.). At $52,934, the local median is 22.99% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mason City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mason City Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Mason City median: $52,934/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mason City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $55,896 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -22.99% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Mason City, IA earn a median of $52,934 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.99% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 5.30% below the Iowa state average of $55,896.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mason City 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.
Mason City, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $52,934 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,555 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,364
2025 BLS Actual
$51,372
2026 Current Est.
$52,934
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,364 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,229 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,184 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,841 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,617 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,487 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,934 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,543 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mason City metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $43,364 (2019) to $51,372 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,543 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,179 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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) | $34,032 – $40,507 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,507 – $52,934 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,934 – $67,043 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,043 – $81,311 |
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 Mason City
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Mason City remains tight, with just four professionals contributing to the local workforce. The area's cost of living index stands at 90.4, indicating that expenses are below the national average. This lower cost translates to increased purchasing power for those earning the median salary. When seeking higher compensation, candidates may find greater opportunities with larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, which typically offer more competitive pay than community health centers or private practices. Variations in salary can also arise from factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and overall benefits packages. To maximize earnings in Mason City, professionals should consider pursuing specialized training and certifications that enhance their skill set and align with the needs of high-paying employers in the region.
More salary data for Mason City, 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 $51,372 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Mason City 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 Mason City 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