Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in South Carolina: $61,148 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Carolina's 26 metropolitan areas, the average median medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay sits at $61,148/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2010. Because South Carolina sits at BEA RPP 91.5 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $66,828 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Spartanburg ($68,359), Myrtle Beach ($64,225), Sumter ($64,003).
In South Carolina, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect an average median salary of $61,148 in 2026, which sits 11.0% below the national median of $68,734. The disparity in salaries across the state varies significantly, with Spartanburg offering the highest average salary of $70,437, while Bluffton ranks lowest at $53,284, resulting in a salary gap of $17,153. This difference is often driven by factors such as local demand for healthcare services, cost of living, and the concentration of healthcare facilities. The state's licensing requirements and scope of practice laws further influence job opportunities and salaries. In South Carolina, technologists must obtain state licensure and adhere to specific regulations that govern their practice. The projected growth rate for this occupation is 3.04% annually, indicating steady demand for qualified professionals. Top cities for employment include Myrtle Beach at $66,177, Sumter at $65,949, Conway at $64,957, and North Charleston at $64,755. The overall workforce consists of approximately 3,761 individuals in this field, reflecting a healthy job market outlook that underscores the vital role these professionals play in healthcare delivery across the state.
South Carolina Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Carolina: $34,693 (lowest entry-level) to $122,340 (highest top earner)
South Carolina vs National Average
South Carolina medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn 11.04% less than the national median ($-7,586/year difference).
South Carolina Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist salaries in South Carolina range from $39,751 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $92,473 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $61,148. The South Carolina median is $7,586 below the US national median of $68,734. The average hourly rate is $29.40/hr. Approximately 3,761 medical and clinical laboratory technologists are employed across 26 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,794
2025 BLS Actual
$59,344
2026 Current Est.
$61,148
2019–2027 Growth
+26.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in South Carolina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,794 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,686 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,843 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,679 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,649 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,344 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,148 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,007 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Carolina metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 19.2% from $49,794 (2019) to $59,344 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,007 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,213 (26.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Carolina 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Carolina
Lowest Paying Cities in South Carolina
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Bluffton | $53,284 |
| Hilton Head Island | $54,317 |
| Florence | $55,670 |
| Clemson | $56,993 |
| Tega Cay | $57,100 |
Best Value Cities for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in South Carolina
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Carolina cities offer the most purchasing power for medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spartanburg | $70,437 | 91.051 | $77,360 |
| Sumter | $65,949 | 88.02 | $74,925 |
| Conway | $64,957 | 91.5 | $70,991 |
| North Charleston | $64,755 | 91.5 | $70,770 |
| Myrtle Beach | $66,177 | 93.642 | $70,670 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $39,751 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $61,148 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $92,473 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Carolina metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 26 Cities in South Carolina
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spartanburg | $70,437 |
| 2 | Myrtle Beach | $66,177 |
| 3 | Sumter | $65,949 |
| 4 | Conway | $64,957 |
| 5 | North Charleston | $64,755 |
| 6 | Charleston | $63,404 |
| 7 | Mount Pleasant | $62,799 |
| 8 | Rock Hill | $61,643 |
| 9 | Aiken | $61,372 |
| 10 | Hanahan | $61,285 |
| 11 | Mauldin | $60,925 |
| 12 | Summerville | $60,598 |
| 13 | Columbia | $60,378 |
| 14 | Simpsonville | $59,599 |
| 15 | Fort Mill | $59,572 |
| 16 | Goose Creek | $59,431 |
| 17 | Greer | $59,362 |
| 18 | Anderson | $59,302 |
| 19 | Lexington | $58,459 |
| 20 | Greenville | $57,964 |
| 21 | Easley | $57,417 |
| 22 | Tega Cay | $57,100 |
| 23 | Clemson | $56,993 |
| 24 | Florence | $55,670 |
| 25 | Hilton Head Island | $54,317 |
| 26 | Bluffton | $53,284 |
More South Carolina Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in South Carolina cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Explore More Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in South Carolina in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Carolina?
How does South Carolina medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in South Carolina?
How many medical and clinical laboratory technologists are employed in South Carolina?
Which South Carolina city offers the best value for medical and clinical laboratory technologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation across South Carolina. State averages are employment-weighted across 26 metro areas — larger metro areas with more medical and clinical laboratory technologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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