Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Portland, ME: $75,024 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Portland, ME earns a median $75,024/year (≈ $36.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Portland's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.9), that paycheck buys what $73,655 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the Maine state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Portland, Maine, is $75,024, which is approximately 9.15% higher than the national median of $68,734. The salary range for this profession in Portland spans from $51,520 at the 10th percentile to $108,916 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential based on experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect a growing demand in the healthcare sector. With a solid local job market for approximately 500 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, Portland continues to be a viable option for professionals looking to advance their careers in this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,520 | $24.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,637 | $26.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,024 | $36.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,666 | $43.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,916 | $52.36 |
Median Salary Position
9.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portland
In Portland, ME, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,396 (2026 est.). At $75,024, the local median is 9.15% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portland Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Portland median: $75,024/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $72,557 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +9.15% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Portland, ME earn a median of $75,024 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.15% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.40% above the Maine state average of $72,557.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portland has a cost of living 1.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portland, ME has a cost-of-living index of 101.858 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,024 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,655 — a 1.82% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,790
2025 BLS Actual
$72,811
2026 Current Est.
$75,024
2019–2027 Growth
+43.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,811 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,024 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,305 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portland metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 35.4% from $53,790 (2019) to $72,811 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,305 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,515 (43.72%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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) | $51,520 – $55,637 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,637 – $75,024 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,024 – $90,666 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,666 – $108,916 |
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 Portland
Portland's cost of living index stands at 101.858, indicating a slightly higher cost than the national average, which can influence the take-home purchasing power for medical and clinical laboratory technologists. Employers in the region, such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, tend to offer more competitive salaries compared to private practices and community health centers. The variance in pay can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, specialized credentials, and the overall benefits structure provided by employers. To maximize pay in Portland ME, technologists should consider pursuing additional certifications that enhance their skill set, as well as actively seeking positions in larger healthcare institutions where salary offerings tend to rise. Understanding the local job landscape will also help in negotiating better compensation packages.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
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 $72,811 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Portland 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