Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Waterloo, IA: $52,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Waterloo, IA earns a median $52,208/year (≈ $25.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Waterloo's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 87.1), that paycheck buys what $59,970 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waterloo, Iowa, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $52,208, significantly lower than the national median of $68,734. The salary range spans from $41,614 at the lower 10th percentile to $80,409 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a diverse compensation landscape within the field. The data, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, reflects a steady local employment count of around 200 health professionals, suggesting a stable demand for these roles in the area. Despite this demand, the salary figures indicate a competitive market that may influence both job seekers and employers in Waterloo.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,614 | $20.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,476 | $20.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,208 | $25.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,692 | $32.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,409 | $38.65 |
Median Salary Position
24.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterloo
In Waterloo, IA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,795 (2026 est.). At $52,208, the local median is 24.04% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterloo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterloo Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Waterloo median: $52,208/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterloo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $55,898 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -24.04% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waterloo, IA earn a median of $52,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.04% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $55,898.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterloo has a cost of living 12.94% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterloo, IA has a cost-of-living index of 87.057 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $52,208 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,970 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.87% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,890
2025 BLS Actual
$50,668
2026 Current Est.
$52,208
2019–2027 Growth
+12.3%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,623 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,668 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,795 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterloo metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 5.8% from $47,890 (2019) to $50,668 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,795 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,905 (12.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterloo 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) | $41,614 – $42,476 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,476 – $52,208 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,208 – $66,692 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,692 – $80,409 |
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 Waterloo
The local job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists remains robust, with a significant presence of around 200 individuals employed in this field. However, the cost of living index in Waterloo, at 87.057, suggests that take-home purchasing power is relatively enhanced compared to national averages. Employers in large healthcare organizations tend to offer the highest pay, surpassing smaller practices and community health centers. Variations in pay stem from factors such as shift differentials for night and weekend work, the need for specialty certifications, and the overall size and benefits structure of the employer. To maximize pay in Waterloo, professionals should seek opportunities at larger facilities and consider obtaining additional credentials that align with in-demand specialties while being strategic about shift selection to take advantage of any premium rates offered for less favorable hours.
More salary data for Waterloo, 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 $50,668 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Waterloo 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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