Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Buffalo, NY: $85,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Buffalo, NY earns a median $85,248/year (≈ $40.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Buffalo's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $88,945 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Buffalo, the projected median annual salary for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist stands at $85,248 in 2026, offering a competitive edge over the national median of $68,734. This salary reflects a broad range, with entry-level positions starting at $52,831 and experienced professionals earning up to $113,712. These insights are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting how Buffalo's labor market provides promising opportunities for technologists. While this figure is above the state average, it illustrates the city's unique employment landscape, especially considering the growing demand for skilled professionals in healthcare settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,831 | $25.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,942 | $32.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,248 | $40.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,650 | $46.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,712 | $54.66 |
Median Salary Position
24.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buffalo
In Buffalo, NY, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,881 (2026 est.). At $85,248, the local median is 24.03% above the national median of $68,734.
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At 40 hours/week in Buffalo: You'd be above the median
How Buffalo Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Buffalo median: $85,248/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buffalo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $88,800 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +24.03% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Buffalo, NY earn a median of $85,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.03% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 4.00% below the New York state average of $88,800.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buffalo has a cost of living 4.16% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buffalo, NY has a cost-of-living index of 95.844 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $85,248 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,945 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.34% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,100
2025 BLS Actual
$82,733
2026 Current Est.
$85,248
2019–2027 Growth
+43.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Buffalo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,840 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buffalo metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 35.4% from $61,100 (2019) to $82,733 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,840 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,740 (43.76%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo 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) | $52,831 – $66,942 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,942 – $85,248 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,248 – $96,650 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,650 – $113,712 |
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 Buffalo
With 710 medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in Buffalo, the local job market is stable and expanding. The cost of living index, calculated at 95.844, suggests that the salaries available in Buffalo allow for a reasonable purchasing power, making it easier for technologists to afford a comfortable lifestyle. Employers in the area, from large healthcare organizations to specialty clinics, tend to offer higher compensation based on factors such as experience, specialization, and available benefits. Differences in pay arise from shift differentials and additional credentials, which can significantly impact earnings. To maximize their salary potential, professionals should consider both hospital employment, where salaries can be more competitive, and seek out specific certifications that elevate their standing in the workforce. Understanding the nuances of medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Buffalo NY will be key for anyone aiming to thrive in this field.
More salary data for Buffalo, NY:
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 $82,733 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Buffalo 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