Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Kirkwood, MO: $59,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Kirkwood, MO earns a median $59,010/year (≈ $28.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Kirkwood's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $65,859 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkwood, Missouri, the median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to be $59,010 in 2026, which reflects a significant discrepancy of approximately 14.15% lower than the national median of $68,734. Salaries for this role in Kirkwood fall within a broad range, with the lowest 10% earning about $37,588 and the top 10% making as much as $91,466, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026. These numbers illustrate the job market dynamics in Kirkwood, where local compensation is influenced by factors such as the cost of living and the types of employers in the area.
About the Kirkwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,588 | $18.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,899 | $21.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,010 | $28.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,532 | $36.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,466 | $43.98 |
Median Salary Position
14.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kirkwood
In Kirkwood, MO, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,878 (2026 est.). At $59,010, the local median is 14.15% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kirkwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kirkwood Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Kirkwood median: $59,010/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kirkwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $59,486 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -14.15% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $59,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $59,486.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kirkwood has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kirkwood, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $59,010 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,859 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,341
2025 BLS Actual
$57,269
2026 Current Est.
$59,010
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kirkwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,341 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,306 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,218 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,312 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,872 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,269 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,804 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kirkwood metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $48,341 (2019) to $57,269 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,804 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,463 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkwood 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) | $37,588 – $44,899 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,899 – $59,010 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,010 – $75,532 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,532 – $91,466 |
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 Kirkwood
Currently, there are five medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Kirkwood, which suggests a tight job market that may influence salary negotiations. With a cost-of-living index of 89.6, residents benefit from below-average housing and living expenses, enhancing their purchasing power despite the relatively lower salaries compared to the national average. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer higher wages, especially for technologists with specialized credentials or those willing to work in shifts that require increased coverage. To maximize pay, professionals in Kirkwood should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking positions in higher-paying sectors, and remaining flexible regarding their work schedules to capitalize on shift differentials. Understanding these local market trends can significantly enhance salary prospects for those exploring medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Kirkwood, MO.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
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 $57,269 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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