Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Ruston, LA: $58,292 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Ruston, LA earns a median $58,292/year (≈ $28.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Ruston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $64,554 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $58,292 projected for 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Ruston, LA, experience a salary landscape that is notably lower than the national median of $68,734. The salary range in this area spans from $38,371 at the 10th percentile to $88,437 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a considerable disparity in compensation among professionals in the field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional costs, suggest that although the pay may not match national levels, local economic conditions, including a cost-of-living index of 90.3, allow for a sustainable lifestyle for many residents. The number of employed laboratory technologists stands at four, indicating a specialized job market in Ruston that may cater to specific healthcare needs.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,371 | $18.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,094 | $21.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,292 | $28.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,710 | $35.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,437 | $42.51 |
Median Salary Position
15.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ruston
In Ruston, LA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,066 (2026 est.). At $58,292, the local median is 15.19% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ruston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ruston Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Ruston median: $58,292/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ruston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $60,594 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -15.19% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Ruston, LA earn a median of $58,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.19% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $60,594.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ruston 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.
Ruston, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $58,292 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,554 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,753
2025 BLS Actual
$56,572
2026 Current Est.
$58,292
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,753 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,706 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,583 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,101 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,292 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,064 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ruston metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $47,753 (2019) to $56,572 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,064 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,311 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ruston 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) | $38,371 – $45,094 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,094 – $58,292 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,292 – $73,710 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,710 – $88,437 |
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 Ruston
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists here reflects a solid niche, supported by the limited number of local professionals. With a cost-of-living index below the national average, the take-home pay can stretch further, making the modest salaries somewhat more appealing. Among the various employers in Ruston, large healthcare organizations typically offer the highest compensation, followed by specialty clinics and community health centers. Factors contributing to the variation in pay include night shifts, weekend differentials, and specific credentials that some employers might require. For technologists seeking higher pay, targeting larger healthcare facilities and acquiring additional certifications could enhance their earning potential. Also, staying informed about job openings and seeking roles that offer comprehensive benefits may provide an added advantage in this particular market.
More salary data for Ruston, 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 $56,572 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Ruston 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 Ruston 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