Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Fargo, ND: $68,089 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Fargo, ND earns a median $68,089/year (≈ $32.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Fargo's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $74,929 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fargo, North Dakota, the projected median annual pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is estimated to be $68,089 in 2026. When considering the full salary range, professionals in this field can expect to earn between $41,723 at the 10th percentile and as much as $91,659 at the 90th percentile. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting how salaries in Fargo compare favorably to national averages. In fact, the local salary is just slightly lower than the national median of $68,734, suggesting that the job market in the area remains competitive for dedicated professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,723 | $20.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,711 | $25.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,089 | $32.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,522 | $40.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,659 | $44.07 |
Median Salary Position
0.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fargo
In Fargo, ND, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,936 (2026 est.). At $68,089, the local median is 0.94% below the national median of $68,734.
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At 40 hours/week in Fargo: You'd be above the median
How Fargo Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Fargo median: $68,089/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fargo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $67,017 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -0.94% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Fargo, ND earn a median of $68,089 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.94% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.60% above the North Dakota state average of $67,017.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fargo has a cost of living 9.13% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 90.871 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $68,089 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,929 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,620
2025 BLS Actual
$66,080
2026 Current Est.
$68,089
2019–2027 Growth
+50.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,089 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,159 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fargo metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 41.7% from $46,620 (2019) to $66,080 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,159 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,539 (50.49%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fargo 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) | $41,723 – $52,711 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,711 – $68,089 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,089 – $83,522 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,522 – $91,659 |
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 Fargo
Currently, there are 570 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Fargo, which indicates a strong demand for these specialists. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 90.871, this means that the purchasing power of salaries in Fargo is relatively favorable compared to other regions. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the most competitive compensation packages, driven by the need to attract skilled workers in a local market where competition for talent is growing. Variability in pay can also stem from factors like shift differentials, specific certifications, and the overall benefits structure offered by different employers. To maximize earnings, professionals should seek additional credentials and consider positions within high-paying organizations or those that offer evening and weekend hours, which often command higher pay rates.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
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 $66,080 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Fargo 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