Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Metairie, LA: $60,882 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Metairie, LA earns a median $60,882/year (≈ $29.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Metairie's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $67,422 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for those working as medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Metairie, Louisiana, is set at $60,882, which reflects a notable gap from the national median salary of $68,734. This local compensation is indicative of the prevailing market conditions, with salaries ranging from $35,312 at the 10th percentile to $94,367 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors in Metairie. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, workers in this field will find that their earnings have a differing purchasing power, impacting their overall financial well-being in this vibrant city.
About the Metairie Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,312 | $16.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,430 | $22.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,882 | $29.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,929 | $37.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,367 | $45.37 |
Median Salary Position
11.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Metairie
In Metairie, LA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,055 (2026 est.). At $60,882, the local median is 11.42% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Metairie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Metairie Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Metairie median: $60,882/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Metairie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $60,640 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -11.42% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Metairie, LA earn a median of $60,882 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.42% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.40% above the Louisiana state average of $60,640.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Metairie has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Metairie, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $60,882 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,422 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,875
2025 BLS Actual
$59,086
2026 Current Est.
$60,882
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Metairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,875 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,269 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,875 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,067 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,921 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,086 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,882 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,733 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Metairie metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $49,875 (2019) to $59,086 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,733 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,858 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Metairie 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) | $35,312 – $47,430 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,430 – $60,882 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,882 – $77,929 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,929 – $94,367 |
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 Metairie
Currently, there are 23 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in the Metairie area, providing a snapshot of local job market dynamics. The cost of living being lower than the national average means that while salaries may feel somewhat constrained compared to national figures, the relative affordability could enhance overall take-home pay. Among employers, larger healthcare organizations typically offer the most competitive salaries, followed by specialty clinics and community health centers. Pay varies widely due to factors such as shift differentials, specific credentials, and the size of the employer. For those looking to maximize their earnings in the Metairie market, focusing on gaining advanced certifications or seeking positions within larger institutions can open opportunities for higher compensation. Understanding these elements can significantly influence how much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Metairie, LA.
More salary data for Metairie, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Metairie, LA in 2026?
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Metairie?
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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 $59,086 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Metairie 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 Metairie 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