Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Waukee, IA: $53,491 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Waukee, IA earns a median $53,491/year (≈ $25.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Waukee's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $59,171 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is estimated at $53,491 for the year 2026. This figure indicates a significant difference when compared to the national median of $68,734, positioning local salaries approximately 22.18% lower than the national average. The local salary range extends from $34,504 at the 10th percentile to $78,797 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization within this profession. These numbers are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and are adjusted according to the regional cost of living, which, at an index of 90.4, suggests a slightly lower-than-average consumer price level in Waukee. This context serves to shape the overall compensation landscape for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the area.
About the Waukee Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,504 | $16.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,037 | $19.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,491 | $25.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,181 | $31.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,797 | $37.89 |
Median Salary Position
22.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukee
In Waukee, IA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,293 (2026 est.). At $53,491, the local median is 22.18% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukee Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Waukee median: $53,491/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $55,895 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -22.18% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waukee, IA earn a median of $53,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.18% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $55,895.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukee 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.
Waukee, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $53,491 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,171 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,820
2025 BLS Actual
$51,913
2026 Current Est.
$53,491
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,681 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,335 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,139 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,082 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,913 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,491 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,117 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukee metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $43,820 (2019) to $51,913 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,117 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,297 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukee 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) | $34,504 – $41,037 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,037 – $53,491 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,491 – $66,181 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,181 – $78,797 |
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 Waukee
The local job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waukee comprises a small pool of just four professionals, which may contribute to variability in salary offerings. With a cost-of-living index below the national average, smaller salary figures can still provide reasonable purchasing power in this community. Among employers, larger healthcare organizations typically offer higher pay compared to private practices and community health centers. The disparity in compensation is influenced by factors such as shift differentials, specialty certifications, and the overall benefits package offered by employers. To secure the best possible earnings, professionals should consider pursuing advanced credentials, as well as seeking employment with larger health systems, which tend to offer more comprehensive pay structures and additional incentives for specialized skills. Overall, understanding the nuances of the Waukee job market can help medical and clinical laboratory technologists make informed career decisions.
More salary data for Waukee, 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 $51,913 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Waukee 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 Waukee 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