Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Bethesda, MD: $76,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Bethesda, MD earns a median $76,916/year (≈ $36.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $70,371 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, Maryland, medical and clinical laboratory technologists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $76,916 in 2026, reflecting a 11.90% increase over the national median of $68,734 for the same year. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, from a lower threshold of $47,602 at the 10th percentile to an upper threshold of $119,220 at the 90th percentile. These figures, which are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local regional price parities, underscore the competitiveness of Bethesda's healthcare job market. With the city's higher-than-average cost of living index of 109.3, these salaries allow for a reasonably comfortable lifestyle, particularly for those working in specialty areas or larger healthcare organizations.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,602 | $22.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,933 | $27.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,916 | $36.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,453 | $47.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,220 | $57.32 |
Median Salary Position
11.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,618 (2026 est.). At $76,916, the local median is 11.9% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethesda Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $76,916/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $79,623 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +11.90% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $76,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.90% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $79,623.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,916 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,371 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,010
2025 BLS Actual
$74,647
2026 Current Est.
$76,916
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,268 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,562 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,064 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,097 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,345 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,647 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,255 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $63,010 (2019) to $74,647 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,255 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,245 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda 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) | $47,602 – $57,933 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,933 – $76,916 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,916 – $98,453 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,453 – $119,220 |
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 Bethesda
A total of 18 medical and clinical laboratory technologists are currently employed in Bethesda, contributing to the area's vibrant healthcare sector. The cost of living in Bethesda, being above the national average, impacts the take-home purchasing power of these professionals. Generally, larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the most lucrative pay packages, often incorporating considerations like shift differentials, specialty credentials, and comprehensive benefits. The pay disparity between lower and higher salaried positions is largely driven by factors such as employer size and the demand for specific skill sets. To maximize their earning potential in this market, technologists should seek additional certifications and inquire about positions with varied schedules that can yield higher differential pay. Understanding the local employment dynamics can significantly influence how much medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Bethesda, MD.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
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 $74,647 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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