Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in West Fargo, ND: $65,873 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in West Fargo, ND earns a median $65,873/year (≈ $31.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in West Fargo's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $71,601 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $65,873 for 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in West Fargo, ND, enjoy a competitive edge in purchasing power, especially given the local cost-of-living index at 92, which is below the national average. The annual salary range spans from $40,881 at the 10th percentile to $102,104 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying levels of compensation based on experience and workplace dynamics. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted to account for regional pricing variations. For aspiring professionals and those already in the field, this market offers solid opportunities, particularly with a steady growth rate of 3.04% projected over the next five years.
About the West Fargo Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,881 | $19.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,376 | $23.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,873 | $31.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,455 | $39.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,104 | $49.09 |
Median Salary Position
4.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Fargo
In West Fargo, ND, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,223 (2026 est.). At $65,873, the local median is 4.16% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Fargo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Fargo Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
West Fargo median: $65,873/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Fargo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $67,013 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -4.16% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in West Fargo, ND earn a median of $65,873 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.16% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.70% below the North Dakota state average of $67,013.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Fargo has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $65,873 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,601 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,964
2025 BLS Actual
$63,930
2026 Current Est.
$65,873
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in West Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,964 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,041 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,718 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,292 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,746 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,674 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,873 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,876 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Fargo metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $53,964 (2019) to $63,930 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,876 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,912 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West 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) | $40,881 – $49,376 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,376 – $65,873 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,873 – $82,455 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,455 – $102,104 |
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 West Fargo
In terms of local employment dynamics, West Fargo has around 10 professionals currently working in this field, which suggests a relatively stable job market, though somewhat limited in scale. Given the cost-of-living reality, salaries might feel more advantageous when adjusted for expenses, potentially enhancing take-home purchasing power. Employers like large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics often provide the highest compensation, while community health centers and private practices might present opportunities at the lower end of the pay spectrum. Additionally, the wage spread can be influenced by factors such as shift differentials, required specialty certifications, and employee benefits arrangements. For optimization of salary in this regional market, specialists are advised to consider obtaining advanced credentials, seek positions within larger healthcare systems for better pay and benefits, and remain flexible regarding shift assignments to leverage premium pay opportunities.
More salary data for West 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 $63,930 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the West 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
Salary data for West Fargo 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