Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Urbandale, IA: $53,420 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Urbandale, IA earns a median $53,420/year (≈ $25.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Urbandale's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $59,093 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbandale, the projected median salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is set at $53,420 for 2026, reflecting a notable gap when compared to the national median of $68,734. This disparity means that professionals in this field may need to consider how their earnings reflect their purchasing power in a cost-sensitive area, especially since the local cost of living is indexed at 90.4—indicating a lower-than-average demand for salaries. The salary range for this profession in Urbandale stretches from $35,077 at the 10th percentile to $82,801 at the 90th percentile, illustrating significant earning potential variation based on experience, employer, and specialization. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, this market can offer promising opportunities for those seeking to advance their careers in laboratory management or specialized roles.
About the Urbandale Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,077 | $16.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,463 | $19.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,420 | $25.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,265 | $32.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,801 | $39.80 |
Median Salary Position
22.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Urbandale
In Urbandale, IA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,724 (2026 est.). At $53,420, the local median is 22.28% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Urbandale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Urbandale Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Urbandale median: $53,420/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Urbandale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $55,937 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -22.28% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Urbandale, IA earn a median of $53,420 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.28% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $55,937.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Urbandale 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.
Urbandale, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $53,420 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,093 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,762
2025 BLS Actual
$51,844
2026 Current Est.
$53,420
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Urbandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,762 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,635 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,618 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,073 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,006 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,844 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,420 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,044 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Urbandale metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $43,762 (2019) to $51,844 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,044 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,282 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbandale 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) | $35,077 – $41,463 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,463 – $53,420 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,420 – $68,265 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,265 – $82,801 |
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 Urbandale
In terms of employment conditions, Urbandale currently hosts only 12 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, highlighting a concentrated job market. The local cost of living index suggests that salaries may be adjusted downward; however, this also means that professionals can enjoy a favorable financial situation relative to daily expenses. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations typically extend the most competitive pay packages, often enhanced by better job benefits and potential progression opportunities compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. Factors influencing pay disparities include experience levels, specialty certifications, and the shift differentials that larger employers may offer. To maximize earnings in the Urbandale market, it’s advisable for technologists to pursue advanced certifications and remain open to shifts or roles in larger institutions, as these strategies can significantly boost annual compensation.
More salary data for Urbandale, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $51,844 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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