Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Louisiana: $59,887 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Louisiana's 20 metropolitan areas, the average median medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay sits at $59,887/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2010. Because Louisiana sits at BEA RPP 90.3 (10% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $66,320 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Alexandria ($65,042), Shreveport ($63,536), Monroe ($63,494).
In 2026, the average median salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Louisiana is projected to be $59,887, which is approximately 12.9% lower than the national median of $68,734. Among the state's cities, Alexandria offers the highest salary at $67,019, while Lake Charles has the lowest at $44,956, creating a notable salary gap of $22,063. Factors contributing to this disparity include the local cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the concentration of healthcare facilities in certain areas. Louisiana requires specific state licensing for laboratory technologists, which influences employment opportunities and salary levels. The scope of practice laws in the state also impact the range of services that professionals can perform, potentially affecting job roles and compensation. Factors such as an aging population, advances in medical testing technology, and increased healthcare access are driving demand for laboratory technologists, leading to a projected annual growth rate of 3.04% in employment from 2025 data. With a total employment figure of 3,349 in this field, the job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Louisiana reflects a steady outlook, providing opportunities across various urban centers such as Shreveport, Monroe, and Bossier City, where salaries range between $64,428 and $65,467.
Louisiana Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Louisiana: $32,657 (lowest entry-level) to $108,064 (highest top earner)
Louisiana vs National Average
Louisiana medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn 12.87% less than the national median ($-8,847/year difference).
Louisiana Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist salaries in Louisiana range from $36,613 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $94,975 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $59,887. The Louisiana median is $8,847 below the US national median of $68,734. The average hourly rate is $28.79/hr. Approximately 3,349 medical and clinical laboratory technologists are employed across 20 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,304
2025 BLS Actual
$58,120
2026 Current Est.
$59,887
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Louisiana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,304 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,442 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,173 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,651 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,414 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,887 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,707 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Louisiana metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 22.9% from $47,304 (2019) to $58,120 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,707 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,403 (30.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Louisiana 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 Louisiana
Lowest Paying Cities in Louisiana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Lake Charles | $44,956 |
| Lafayette | $52,688 |
| Hammond | $53,901 |
| Sulphur | $56,054 |
| Zachary | $56,377 |
Best Value Cities for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Louisiana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Louisiana cities offer the most purchasing power for medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe | $65,424 | 83.597 | $78,261 |
| Alexandria | $67,019 | 85.686 | $78,215 |
| Shreveport | $65,467 | 84.766 | $77,233 |
| Bossier City | $64,428 | 90.3 | $71,349 |
| Houma | $60,575 | 85.103 | $71,178 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $36,613 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $59,887 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $94,975 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Louisiana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 20 Cities in Louisiana
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexandria | $67,019 |
| 2 | Shreveport | $65,467 |
| 3 | Monroe | $65,424 |
| 4 | Bossier City | $64,428 |
| 5 | Slidell | $61,241 |
| 6 | Metairie | $60,882 |
| 7 | New Orleans | $60,662 |
| 8 | Houma | $60,575 |
| 9 | Kenner | $59,390 |
| 10 | Thibodaux | $59,303 |
| 11 | Ruston | $58,292 |
| 12 | Central | $58,233 |
| 13 | Baton Rouge | $57,560 |
| 14 | New Iberia | $57,424 |
| 15 | Natchitoches | $56,646 |
| 16 | Zachary | $56,377 |
| 17 | Sulphur | $56,054 |
| 18 | Hammond | $53,901 |
| 19 | Lafayette | $52,688 |
| 20 | Lake Charles | $44,956 |
More Louisiana Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in Louisiana 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 Louisiana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Louisiana?
How does Louisiana medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Louisiana?
How many medical and clinical laboratory technologists are employed in Louisiana?
Which Louisiana 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 Louisiana. State averages are employment-weighted across 20 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