Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Cary, NC: $64,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Cary, NC earns a median $64,950/year (≈ $31.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Cary's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $69,391 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $64,950 for 2026, which positions the city slightly below the national median of $68,734. The salary range in Cary varies significantly, from $41,601 at the lower end to as much as $100,673 for those at the top of the pay scale. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity. While the salary offers a competitive edge within the state, it also reflects the city's unique economic context and growing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare sector.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,601 | $20.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,964 | $24.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,950 | $31.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,137 | $39.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,673 | $48.40 |
Median Salary Position
5.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cary
In Cary, NC, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,072 (2026 est.). At $64,950, the local median is 5.51% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cary Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Cary median: $64,950/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,371 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -5.51% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Cary, NC earn a median of $64,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.51% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.90% above the North Carolina state average of $64,371.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cary has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cary, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $64,950 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,391 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,208
2025 BLS Actual
$63,034
2026 Current Est.
$64,950
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,208 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,097 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,034 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,925 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cary metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $53,208 (2019) to $63,034 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,925 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,717 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary 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) | $41,601 – $49,964 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,964 – $64,950 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,950 – $83,137 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,137 – $100,673 |
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 Cary
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cary is relatively stable, with about 44 professionals employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 93.6, which is below the national average, allowing for better purchasing power on local salaries. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the highest compensation, influenced by various factors like shift differentials and specialized credentials. There remains a considerable pay gap between lower and higher salaries, driven by employer size and benefits structures. For those looking to enhance their earnings in Cary's market, obtaining additional certifications or seeking positions in high-demand areas such as specialized clinics could prove beneficial. Understanding how much medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Cary NC can guide professionals in negotiating their worth effectively.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
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 $63,034 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Cary 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 Cary 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