Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Louisville, KY: $71,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Louisville, KY earns a median $71,125/year (≈ $34.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Louisville's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $79,647 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.0% above the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Louisville, Kentucky, can expect a median salary of $71,125, which reflects a competitive edge of approximately 3.48% over the national median of $68,734. The full salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $41,253 and experienced roles reaching up to $110,245. These estimates are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlighting the local market's dynamics. With a cost-of-living index of 89.3, Louisville's purchasing power allows for a more comfortable lifestyle compared to many other regions, suggesting that healthcare professionals in this field may find a favorable work-life balance.
About the Louisville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,253 | $19.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,210 | $24.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,125 | $34.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,041 | $43.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,245 | $53.00 |
Median Salary Position
3.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Louisville
In Louisville, KY, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,992 (2026 est.). At $71,125, the local median is 3.48% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Louisville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Louisville Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Louisville median: $71,125/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Louisville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $65,253 | +9.00% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +3.48% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Louisville, KY earn a median of $71,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.48% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $65,253.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Louisville has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Louisville, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $71,125 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,647 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,267
2025 BLS Actual
$69,027
2026 Current Est.
$71,125
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,267 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,429 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,939 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,669 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,362 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,027 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,288 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Louisville metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $58,267 (2019) to $69,027 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,288 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,021 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Louisville 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) | $41,253 – $51,210 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,210 – $71,125 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,125 – $91,041 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,041 – $110,245 |
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 Louisville
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Louisville is reasonably active, with 132 professionals currently employed in the area, indicating a stable demand for this role. Given the low cost of living, the take-home pay for these technologists can stretch further than in more expensive areas. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which often provide valuable benefits and shift differentials. Factors such as specialized certifications and experience can also influence the salary range significantly. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Louisville, pursuing advanced credentials and considering shifts during evenings or weekends can be fruitful strategies to increase overall compensation.
More salary data for Louisville, KY:
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 $69,027 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Louisville 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 Louisville 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