Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Columbus, OH: $67,980 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Columbus, OH earns a median $67,980/year (≈ $32.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.5), that paycheck buys what $71,206 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, OH, the projected median salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 is $67,980, which is slightly lower than the national median of $68,734. The salary range for this profession spans from approximately $43,110 at the 10th percentile to $103,871 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied levels of experience and specialization within the field. These figures derive from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the growing demand in the sector. Employment opportunities appear strong, driven by local healthcare providers needing skilled professionals for diverse roles, which may provide a good environment for salary growth.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,110 | $20.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,127 | $24.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,980 | $32.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,209 | $41.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,871 | $49.93 |
Median Salary Position
1.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, OH, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,761 (2026 est.). At $67,980, the local median is 1.1% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Columbus median: $67,980/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $66,451 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -1.10% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Columbus, OH earn a median of $67,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.30% above the Ohio state average of $66,451.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 4.53% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, OH has a cost-of-living index of 95.469 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $67,980 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,206 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.75% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,850
2025 BLS Actual
$65,974
2026 Current Est.
$67,980
2019–2027 Growth
+32.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,974 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,980 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,046 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 24.8% from $52,850 (2019) to $65,974 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,046 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,196 (32.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $43,110 – $51,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,127 – $67,980 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,980 – $86,209 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,209 – $103,871 |
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 Columbus
Columbus employs around 2,520 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, representing a solid job market for this profession. With a cost of living index of 95.469, professionals in Columbus may find their take-home pay stretching further than in many other cities, positively impacting overall economic well-being. Large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the highest salaries, compared to private practices and community health centers. Factors contributing to salary differences include specialty credentials, shift differentials, and the overall benefits package provided by employers. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Columbus, pursuing certification in specialized areas or negotiating for shifts that offer higher pay rates could be advantageous in this competitive market.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
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 $65,974 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Columbus 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