Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Philadelphia, PA: $65,304 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Philadelphia, PA earns a median $65,304/year (≈ $31.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Philadelphia's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $63,678 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.7% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Philadelphia, the competitive job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is reflected in the projected median annual salary of $65,304 for 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $68,734. With 6,150 professionals currently employed in this field, the local market shows a healthy demand for skilled technologists. The salary range highlights significant earning potential, with entry-level positions starting at $44,224 and top earners reaching up to $103,652. These figures, drawn from the 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, illustrate how compensation in Philadelphia aligns with the broader trends observed across the country while showcasing the unique dynamics of the local job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,224 | $21.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,728 | $24.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,304 | $31.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,673 | $42.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,652 | $49.84 |
Median Salary Position
4.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, PA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,428 (2026 est.). At $65,304, the local median is 4.99% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Philadelphia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Philadelphia Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Philadelphia median: $65,304/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Philadelphia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $56,934 | +14.70% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -4.99% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $65,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.99% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 14.70% above the Pennsylvania state average of $56,934.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Philadelphia has a cost of living 2.55% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Philadelphia, PA has a cost-of-living index of 102.554 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,304 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,678 — a 2.49% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,580
2025 BLS Actual
$63,377
2026 Current Est.
$65,304
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,377 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,304 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,289 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Philadelphia metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 10.1% from $57,580 (2019) to $63,377 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,289 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,709 (16.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Philadelphia 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) | $44,224 – $51,728 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,728 – $65,304 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,304 – $87,673 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,673 – $103,652 |
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 Philadelphia
When considering the job prospects and compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Philadelphia, it's essential to factor in the local cost of living, which has an index of 102.554, indicating that living expenses are slightly above the national average. While large healthcare organizations typically offer higher wages, professionals can maximize their earnings through strategic career choices such as pursuing specialty credentials or shifting to roles with varying shifts, which often come with higher pay scales. Community health centers and private practices may offer different compensation structures depending on benefits and workload. Additionally, staying informed about industry trends can provide opportunities for advancement, ensuring that technologists capitalize on their expertise in this competitive market.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
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 $63,377 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Philadelphia 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