Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Arlington, MA: $85,516 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Arlington, MA earns a median $85,516/year (≈ $41.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $78,817 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington, Massachusetts, the projected salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 is a median of $85,516 per year, which represents a significant increase compared to the national figure of $68,734 for the same year. The local salary range ranges from $53,500 at the 10th percentile to $129,621 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse landscape of earning potential within this profession. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price differences, highlight both the competitive opportunities and the potential for growth in this field. With only nine medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in Arlington, the job market appears somewhat limited, suggesting a unique local dynamics that could influence candidate positioning and negotiation strategies.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,500 | $25.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,350 | $30.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,516 | $41.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,095 | $52.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,621 | $62.32 |
Median Salary Position
24.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, MA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,121 (2026 est.). At $85,516, the local median is 24.42% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Arlington median: $85,516/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $86,818 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +24.42% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Arlington, MA earn a median of $85,516 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.42% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $86,818.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,516 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,817 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,055
2025 BLS Actual
$82,993
2026 Current Est.
$85,516
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,055 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,453 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,227 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,674 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,158 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,919 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,993 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,516 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,116 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $70,055 (2019) to $82,993 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,116 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,061 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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) | $53,500 – $64,350 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,350 – $85,516 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,516 – $109,095 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,095 – $129,621 |
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 Arlington
Focusing on the job market in Arlington indicates various factors that can affect take-home pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists. The cost-of-living index of 108.5 reflects a higher-than-average expense level in this area, which may impact real earnings. In terms of employment opportunities, larger healthcare organizations are likely to offer the highest salaries compared to private practices and community health centers. The pay variance can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, specialized certifications, and the size of the employer. For those seeking to maximize their compensation, pursuing advanced credentials or specializing in high-demand areas can prove beneficial. Additionally, understanding the employer's benefits and bonus structures can provide a more comprehensive view of total compensation, further enhancing financial outcomes for professionals in this rapidly evolving sector in Arlington, MA.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
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 $82,993 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Arlington 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 Arlington 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