Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Albuquerque, NM: $51,596 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Albuquerque, NM earns a median $51,596/year (≈ $24.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Albuquerque's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.5), that paycheck buys what $54,001 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 25.0% below the New Mexico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Albuquerque, NM, the purchasing power for medical and clinical laboratory technologists reflects the area's economic conditions. The projected median annual salary for this occupation in 2026 is $51,596, which is significantly lower than the national median of $68,734, placing Albuquerque's salary figures about 24.93% behind the national average. The salary range for local professionals spans from $40,161 at the 10th percentile to $86,144 at the 90th percentile, providing insight into potential earnings based on experience and skill level. These figures are derived from official 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. This salary picture indicates that while the financial rewards may not be as high as in other regions, Albuquerque's unique job market offers opportunities for growth in the medical and clinical laboratory field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,161 | $19.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,302 | $20.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,596 | $24.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,620 | $32.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,144 | $41.42 |
Median Salary Position
24.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albuquerque
In Albuquerque, NM, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,983 (2026 est.). At $51,596, the local median is 24.93% below the national median of $68,734.
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At 40 hours/week in Albuquerque: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Albuquerque Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Albuquerque median: $51,596/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albuquerque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $68,795 | -25.00% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -24.93% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Albuquerque, NM earn a median of $51,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.93% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 25.00% below the New Mexico state average of $68,795.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albuquerque has a cost of living 4.45% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albuquerque, NM has a cost-of-living index of 95.546 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $51,596 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,001 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,370
2025 BLS Actual
$50,074
2026 Current Est.
$51,596
2019–2027 Growth
+22.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Albuquerque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,074 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,596 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,165 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albuquerque metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 15.5% from $43,370 (2019) to $50,074 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,165 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,795 (22.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albuquerque 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) | $40,161 – $42,302 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,302 – $51,596 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,596 – $67,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,620 – $86,144 |
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 Albuquerque
With around 1,280 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in the Albuquerque area, the local job market remains relatively stable. The cost of living index sits at 95.546, suggesting that living expenses are slightly below the national average, which can positively influence the effective purchasing power for professionals in this field. Among employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer the most competitive pay, as they often have the resources to provide higher salaries, along with substantial benefits. Factors contributing to the pay variance include shift differentials, specialization credentials, and the overall size of the employer, which can offer different levels of compensation and benefits. To maximize earnings, local professionals should consider obtaining additional certifications or seeking positions in larger healthcare facilities that may provide better financial incentives. Understanding how much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Albuquerque can help guide career decisions based on financial aspirations.
More salary data for Albuquerque, NM:
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 $50,074 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Albuquerque 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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