Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Chelsea, MA: $86,015 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Chelsea, MA earns a median $86,015/year (≈ $41.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Chelsea's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $79,276 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, the 2026 projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is set at $86,015, which reflects a significant 25.14% increase compared to the national median of $68,734. The local salary range extends from $54,562 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $131,151 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, indicate a strong compensation framework for this profession within the city. The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Chelsea remains competitive, with a variety of employment opportunities that can influence overall earning potential considerably.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,562 | $26.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,345 | $31.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,015 | $41.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,543 | $52.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,151 | $63.05 |
Median Salary Position
25.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelsea
In Chelsea, MA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,589 (2026 est.). At $86,015, the local median is 25.14% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelsea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelsea Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Chelsea median: $86,015/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelsea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $86,796 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +25.14% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Chelsea, MA earn a median of $86,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.14% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $86,796.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelsea has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelsea, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,015 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,276 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,464
2025 BLS Actual
$83,477
2026 Current Est.
$86,015
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,464 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,672 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,115 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,625 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,455 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,477 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,015 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,630 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelsea metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $70,464 (2019) to $83,477 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,630 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,166 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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) | $54,562 – $65,345 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,345 – $86,015 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,015 – $108,543 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,543 – $131,151 |
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 Chelsea
The current cost of living index in Chelsea stands at 108.5, signaling that while salaries may be higher than many other locales, the purchasing power of these wages is also affected. This economic reality is crucial for the six medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in the area, as it shapes both their salary expectations and financial lifestyle. Generally, larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics tend to offer the highest pay in Chelsea, leveraging their size and patient volume to provide better compensation packages. Variability in wages can also result from factors such as shift differentials for evening or night work, specialized credentials, and the benefits structure offered by employers. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, cultivating additional certifications and considering roles in higher-paying institutions may be prudent strategies in this competitive market.
More salary data for Chelsea, 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 $83,477 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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