Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Norfolk, NE: $62,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Norfolk, NE earns a median $62,086/year (≈ $29.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $67,854 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Norfolk, Nebraska, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect a median annual salary of $62,086 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $68,734, suggesting a local pay landscape shaped by a limited labor pool—as only six professionals currently occupy these roles in the area. The salary range for these technologists spans from $42,474 at the 10th percentile to $94,137 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience, specialty credentials, and the specific demands of different work environments. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 with adjustments for regional cost factors, which indicates that while earning potential exists, the relatively modest local employment numbers might impact salary competitiveness.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,474 | $20.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,394 | $23.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,086 | $29.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,472 | $37.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,137 | $45.26 |
Median Salary Position
9.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, NE, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,663 (2026 est.). At $62,086, the local median is 9.67% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $62,086/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $66,687 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -9.67% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Norfolk, NE earn a median of $62,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.67% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $66,687.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $62,086 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,854 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$50,861
2025 BLS Actual
$60,254
2026 Current Est.
$62,086
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,861 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,195 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,538 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,254 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,973 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $50,861 (2019) to $60,254 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,973 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,112 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $42,474 – $49,394 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,394 – $62,086 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,086 – $78,472 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,472 – $94,137 |
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 Norfolk
Despite the relatively small workforce of medical and clinical laboratory technologists, Norfolk remains a viable market for those pursuing a career in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 91.5, compensation in this area can stretch further than in higher-cost regions, giving residents improved purchasing power despite the lower median in comparison to national standards. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and community health centers typically offer higher pay and benefits, creating opportunities for negotiation based on experience and specialty. As the market evolves, it's advisable for technologists looking to maximize their earnings in Norfolk, NE, to pursue additional certifications and consider diverse employer types. The spread in pay often hinges on factors like shift differentials and specific skill sets, which can greatly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Norfolk, NE in 2026?
Is Norfolk, NE a good place to work as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Norfolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Norfolk?
How much does a medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per hour in Norfolk?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 $60,254 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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