Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Houma, LA: $60,575 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Houma, LA earns a median $60,575/year (≈ $29.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Houma's price level (15% below national, BEA RPP 85.1), that paycheck buys what $71,178 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Louisiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Houma, Louisiana, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $60,575 for 2026. This figure represents a gap compared to the national median of $68,734, highlighting an 11.87% difference that reflects local market conditions and demand. The salary range for professionals in this field extends from $38,217 at the 10th percentile to $87,520 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability based on experience, specialization, and employer type. Data used here is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, projected to provide insights into the salary expectations for the coming year. As a dynamic healthcare hub, Houma presents various opportunities for laboratory technologists despite these wage disparities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,217 | $18.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,401 | $23.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,575 | $29.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,065 | $34.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,520 | $42.08 |
Median Salary Position
11.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houma
In Houma, LA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,303 (2026 est.). At $60,575, the local median is 11.87% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Houma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Houma Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Houma median: $60,575/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Houma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $60,636 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -11.87% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Houma, LA earn a median of $60,575 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.87% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.10% below the Louisiana state average of $60,636.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Houma has a cost of living 14.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Houma, LA has a cost-of-living index of 85.103 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $60,575 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,178 in an average-cost city — an effective 17.5% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,430
2025 BLS Actual
$58,788
2026 Current Est.
$60,575
2019–2027 Growth
+21.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,788 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,575 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,417 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Houma metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 14.3% from $51,430 (2019) to $58,788 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,417 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,987 (21.36%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houma 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) | $38,217 – $49,401 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,401 – $60,575 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,575 – $72,065 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,065 – $87,520 |
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 Houma
In Houma, there are currently 110 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed, highlighting a stable demand for these professionals in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 85.103, residents enjoy a lifestyle that is more affordable than the national average, which can enhance the real value of their earnings. Local employers range from private practices to larger healthcare organizations, and community health centers often offer competitive salaries, particularly for those holding specialty credentials. The distinction in compensation can also stem from factors such as shift differentials and the overall benefits structure. For those looking to maximize their medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Houma, pursuing additional certifications and seeking employment in larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics can be strategic moves to enhance earning potential in this local market.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
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 $58,788 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Houma 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, 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