Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Kentucky: $66,278 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Kentucky's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay sits at $66,278/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2010. Because Kentucky sits at BEA RPP 89.3 (11% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $74,219 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Louisville ($69,027), Ashland ($65,278), Louisville/Jefferson County ($65,148).
In Kentucky, the projected average median salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 is $66,278, which is 3.6% lower than the national median of $68,734. The variation in salaries across the state is significant, with Louisville offering the highest pay at $71,125, while Elizabethtown presents the lowest at $54,087. This salary gap is influenced by factors such as the cost of living, local healthcare demand, and the availability of advanced laboratory facilities. Kentucky has specific licensing requirements for laboratory technologists, including passing a relevant certification exam. The scope of practice laws can also differ from other states, impacting job responsibilities and advancement opportunities. Demand for laboratory technologists is driven by the growing population, advances in medical technology, and an increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare, which support a projected annual growth rate of 3.04% in this field. With a total employment of 3,122 medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the state, the job market remains strong. The top cities projected for employment opportunities include Ashland at $67,262, Louisville/Jefferson County at $67,128, and Bowling Green at $67,117, indicating healthy prospects in various regions throughout Kentucky.
Kentucky Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Kentucky: $38,624 (lowest entry-level) to $110,245 (highest top earner)
Kentucky vs National Average
Kentucky medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn 3.57% less than the national median ($-2,456/year difference).
Kentucky Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist salaries in Kentucky range from $42,285 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $99,335 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $66,278. The Kentucky median is $2,456 below the US national median of $68,734. The average hourly rate is $31.86/hr. Approximately 3,122 medical and clinical laboratory technologists are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,716
2025 BLS Actual
$64,323
2026 Current Est.
$66,278
2019–2027 Growth
+29.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kentucky (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,716 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,866 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,366 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,582 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,144 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,323 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,278 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,293 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentucky metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 22.0% from $52,716 (2019) to $64,323 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,293 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,577 (29.55%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentucky 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Kentucky
Lowest Paying Cities in Kentucky
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Elizabethtown | $54,087 |
| Murray | $61,018 |
| Jeffersontown | $61,932 |
| Madisonville | $62,151 |
| Georgetown | $62,382 |
Best Value Cities for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kentucky
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Kentucky cities offer the most purchasing power for medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $71,125 | 89.3 | $79,647 |
| Paducah | $65,239 | 86.084 | $75,785 |
| Ashland | $67,262 | 89.3 | $75,321 |
| Bowling Green | $67,117 | 90.179 | $74,426 |
| Owensboro | $65,772 | 89.3 | $73,653 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $42,285 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $66,278 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $99,335 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Kentucky metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Kentucky
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisville | $71,125 |
| 2 | Ashland | $67,262 |
| 3 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $67,128 |
| 4 | Bowling Green | $67,117 |
| 5 | Owensboro | $65,772 |
| 6 | Paducah | $65,239 |
| 7 | Lexington | $65,217 |
| 8 | Independence | $64,721 |
| 9 | Florence | $64,646 |
| 10 | Covington | $64,372 |
| 11 | Nicholasville | $64,251 |
| 12 | Richmond | $64,236 |
| 13 | Frankfort | $63,906 |
| 14 | Henderson | $63,800 |
| 15 | Hopkinsville | $63,573 |
| 16 | Radcliff | $62,602 |
| 17 | Georgetown | $62,382 |
| 18 | Madisonville | $62,151 |
| 19 | Jeffersontown | $61,932 |
| 20 | Murray | $61,018 |
| 21 | Elizabethtown | $54,087 |
More Kentucky Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in Kentucky cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Explore More Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Kentucky in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Kentucky?
How does Kentucky medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Kentucky?
How many medical and clinical laboratory technologists are employed in Kentucky?
Which Kentucky city offers the best value for medical and clinical laboratory technologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation across Kentucky. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 metro areas — larger metro areas with more medical and clinical laboratory technologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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