Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Jackson, TN: $68,176 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Jackson, TN earns a median $68,176/year (≈ $32.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.5), that paycheck buys what $79,717 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source

With a median annual salary of $68,176 projected for 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Jackson, TN enjoy a competitive pay scale, especially when considering the local cost of living index of 85.522, which falls below the national average. This translates to an effective purchasing power that is reinforced by a salary range from $42,029 at the lower end (P10) to $88,219 at the high end (P90). The figures presented are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating that the profession remains a solid option for those in the healthcare field in Jackson, where employment numbers are stable with approximately 210 practitioners established in the area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,029 | $20.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,998 | $23.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,176 | $32.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,219 | $42.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,219 | $42.41 |
Median Salary Position
0.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, TN, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,190 (2026 est.). At $68,176, the local median is 0.81% below the national median of $68,734.
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At 40 hours/week in Jackson: You'd be above the median
How Jackson Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Jackson median: $68,176/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $64,745 | +5.30% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -0.81% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Jackson, TN earn a median of $68,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.81% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 5.30% above the Tennessee state average of $64,745.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson has a cost of living 14.48% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jackson, TN has a cost-of-living index of 85.522 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $68,176 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,717 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,270
2025 BLS Actual
$66,165
2026 Current Est.
$68,176
2019–2027 Growth
+78.9%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,176 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,249 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 68.5% from $39,270 (2019) to $66,165 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,249 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,979 (78.89%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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) | $42,029 – $48,998 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,998 – $68,176 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,176 – $88,219 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,219 – $88,219 |
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 Jackson
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Jackson is bolstered by diverse employment opportunities, with key employers including large healthcare organizations and community health centers, often providing some of the highest compensation packages. However, with a cost of living index below the national average, these pay rates significantly enhance take-home earnings. The disparity between low and high salaries can be attributed to various factors including shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the overall size and benefits offered by employers. To maximize pay in Jackson, technologists could consider pursuing additional certifications or specialties that are in demand, as well as seeking positions in larger facilities that are more likely to provide premium compensation and robust benefits packages.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
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 $66,165 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Jackson 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