Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Princeton, NJ: $81,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Princeton, NJ earns a median $81,284/year (≈ $39.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Princeton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $70,559 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Princeton, New Jersey, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $81,284, which is significantly higher than the national median of $68,734. The salary range for this occupation in Princeton spans from $51,432 at the 10th percentile to $123,686 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse job market with varying needs and employer capabilities. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and reflect local economic conditions and regional price adjustments. The competitive pay indicates a strong demand for skilled professionals in this sector, underlining Princeton's unique positioning in the healthcare landscape.
About the Princeton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,432 | $24.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,592 | $29.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,284 | $39.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,482 | $49.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,686 | $59.46 |
Median Salary Position
18.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Princeton
In Princeton, NJ, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,254 (2026 est.). At $81,284, the local median is 18.26% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Princeton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Princeton Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Princeton median: $81,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Princeton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $83,971 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +18.26% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Princeton, NJ earn a median of $81,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.20% below the New Jersey state average of $83,971.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Princeton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Princeton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,284 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,559 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,589
2025 BLS Actual
$78,886
2026 Current Est.
$81,284
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Princeton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,589 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,917 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,455 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,172 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,755 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Princeton metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $66,589 (2019) to $78,886 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,755 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,166 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Princeton 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) | $51,432 – $61,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,592 – $81,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,284 – $102,482 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,482 – $123,686 |
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 Princeton
The local job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Princeton is relatively small, with only six professionals currently employed in this field. The cost of living, as indicated by a 115.2 index, suggests that while salaries may be higher than the national average, the purchasing power may be tempered by elevated living expenses. Employers in Princeton, including large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, tend to offer the most competitive salaries, often influenced by the complexity of services provided and the credentials held by technologists. Additionally, variances in pay may arise from other factors such as shift differentials and the benefits package. To maximize earning potential in this market, professionals should consider obtaining specialty credentials and seeking employment with larger institutions which are better positioned to offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
More salary data for Princeton, NJ:
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 $78,886 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Princeton 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 Princeton 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