Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Rochester, NY: $88,786 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Rochester, NY earns a median $88,786/year (≈ $42.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.0), that paycheck buys what $91,499 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, NY, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 is $88,786, which is significantly higher than the national median of $68,734. This region’s pay scale shows a robust range, with earnings typically spanning from $50,603 at the lower end to $109,070 for those at the highest echelons. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight not only the competitive nature of salaries in the local job market but also suggest a strong demand for skilled technologists. The anticipated annual growth rate of 3.04% further indicates that career opportunities in this field are expected to expand, making Rochester an appealing location for both new and established professionals seeking to enhance their careers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,603 | $24.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,969 | $32.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,786 | $42.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,123 | $49.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,070 | $52.44 |
Median Salary Position
29.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, NY, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,467 (2026 est.). At $88,786, the local median is 29.17% above the national median of $68,734.
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At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be above the median
How Rochester Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Rochester median: $88,786/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $68,734 | +29.17% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Rochester, NY earn a median of $88,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.17% higher than the national median of $68,734.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester has a cost of living 2.97% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rochester, NY has a cost-of-living index of 97.035 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $88,786 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $91,499 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.06% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,110
2025 BLS Actual
$86,167
2026 Current Est.
$88,786
2019–2027 Growth
+63.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,167 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,786 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,486 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 53.6% from $56,110 (2019) to $86,167 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,486 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,376 (63.05%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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) | $50,603 – $67,969 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,969 – $88,786 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,786 – $102,123 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,123 – $109,070 |
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 Rochester
Rochester employs approximately 1,140 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, creating a vibrant job market within the healthcare sector. The local cost of living index stands at 97.035, indicating that expenses are somewhat lower than the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of salaries for laboratory technologists. Employers in large healthcare organizations tend to offer the most competitive pay, compared to private practices and community health centers. The disparity in compensation can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and benefits structures. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Rochester, pursuing additional certifications or seeking positions in larger healthcare networks could be beneficial strategies. Understanding the nuances of employer types and their compensation practices will help professionals navigate the local job market effectively.
More salary data for Rochester, 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 $86,167 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Rochester 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