Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Bluffton, SC: $53,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Bluffton, SC earns a median $53,284/year (≈ $25.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Bluffton's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $58,234 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.9% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Bluffton, South Carolina, is estimated to be $53,284. Comparatively lower than the national median of $68,734, this figure reflects the adjusted purchasing power within a community where the cost of living index stands at 91.5, indicating a below-average cost of living. Salaries for this profession in Bluffton range from a low of $34,693 at the 10th percentile to a high of $82,591 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the variability based on factors such as experience and specialization. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics data, projected for 2026, and highlight the economic landscape for laboratory technologists in this region.
About the Bluffton Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,693 | $16.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,098 | $19.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,284 | $25.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,203 | $32.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,591 | $39.71 |
Median Salary Position
22.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bluffton
In Bluffton, SC, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,898 (2026 est.). At $53,284, the local median is 22.48% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bluffton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bluffton Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Bluffton median: $53,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bluffton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $61,886 | -13.90% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -22.48% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Bluffton, SC earn a median of $53,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.48% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 13.90% below the South Carolina state average of $61,886.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bluffton has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bluffton, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $53,284 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,234 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,651
2025 BLS Actual
$51,712
2026 Current Est.
$53,284
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,651 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,522 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,496 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,151 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,945 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,983 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,712 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,904 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bluffton metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $43,651 (2019) to $51,712 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,904 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,253 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bluffton 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) | $34,693 – $41,098 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,098 – $53,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,284 – $68,203 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,203 – $82,591 |
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 Bluffton
With only six medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in Bluffton, job competition remains relatively low. The region's cost of living impacts take-home pay, meaning professionals may find their earnings stretch further than in higher-cost areas. While larger healthcare organizations often provide better compensation packages, community health centers and private practices can also be competitive depending on the specific roles and responsibilities. Factors contributing to pay differentiation include shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the associated benefits structure. To maximize income potential, laboratory technologists should consider seeking advanced certifications and negotiating for higher hourly rates, particularly with employers that show a commitment to ongoing professional development and specialty practices.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
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 $51,712 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Bluffton 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 Bluffton 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