Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $67,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Grand Forks, ND earns a median $67,521/year (≈ $32.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Grand Forks's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.7), that paycheck buys what $77,912 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Grand Forks, ND, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 is $67,521, which is slightly below the national median of $68,734. This figure is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys and reflects a competitive job market with 190 professionals currently employed in this field. The salary range for these positions spans from $36,950 at the 10th percentile to $87,869 at the 90th percentile, indicating a range of opportunities based on experience and skill level. Given the local employment count, the market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Grand Forks is stable, suggesting a consistent demand for qualified professionals in this area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,950 | $17.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,838 | $23.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,521 | $32.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,085 | $39.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,869 | $42.25 |
Median Salary Position
1.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, ND, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,919 (2026 est.). At $67,521, the local median is 1.76% below the national median of $68,734.
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At 40 hours/week in Grand Forks: You'd be above the median
How Grand Forks Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Grand Forks median: $67,521/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Grand Forks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $67,052 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -1.76% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Grand Forks, ND earn a median of $67,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.76% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.70% above the North Dakota state average of $67,052.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Grand Forks has a cost of living 13.34% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Grand Forks, ND has a cost-of-living index of 86.663 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $67,521 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,912 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.39% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,000
2025 BLS Actual
$65,529
2026 Current Est.
$67,521
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,418 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,574 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Grand Forks metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 26.0% from $52,000 (2019) to $65,529 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,574 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,574 (33.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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) | $36,950 – $49,838 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,838 – $67,521 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,521 – $83,085 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,085 – $87,869 |
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 Grand Forks
Analyzing the job market, Grand Forks offers a cost of living index of 86.663, which provides a favorable purchasing power for medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay compared to the national average. While the median salary reflects the local employment environment, compensation can vary significantly across different types of employers. Large healthcare organizations typically provide the most competitive salaries, while community health centers and private practices may offer lower pay. Factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the size of the hiring organization contribute to the differences in compensation within the region. To maximize earnings in this market, professionals should consider obtaining additional credentials or seeking employment with larger healthcare institutions, as these strategies can significantly impact overall pay in Grand Forks, ND.
More salary data for Grand Forks, 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 $65,529 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Grand Forks 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, 6-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