Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Knoxville, TN: $64,059 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Knoxville, TN earns a median $64,059/year (≈ $30.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Knoxville's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.6), that paycheck buys what $69,201 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Knoxville currently employs approximately 1,320 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, indicating a competitive job market in the area. In 2026, these professionals are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,059, which falls below the national median of $68,734 for the same year. The salary range for this occupation in Knoxville spans from $40,838 at the 10th percentile to $89,933 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variability in compensation based on experience and specialization. Derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, this data helps illuminate both earning potential and market saturation, shaping the salary landscape for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Knoxville, TN.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,838 | $19.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,975 | $23.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,059 | $30.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,742 | $34.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,933 | $43.25 |
Median Salary Position
6.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Knoxville
In Knoxville, TN, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,095 (2026 est.). At $64,059, the local median is 6.8% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Knoxville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Knoxville Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Knoxville median: $64,059/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Knoxville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $64,706 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -6.80% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Knoxville, TN earn a median of $64,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.80% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.00% below the Tennessee state average of $64,706.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Knoxville has a cost of living 7.43% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Knoxville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.569 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $64,059 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,201 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.03% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,180
2025 BLS Actual
$62,169
2026 Current Est.
$64,059
2019–2027 Growth
+34.2%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Knoxville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,169 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,059 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,006 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Knoxville metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 26.4% from $49,180 (2019) to $62,169 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,006 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,826 (34.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Knoxville 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) | $40,838 – $48,975 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,975 – $64,059 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,059 – $72,742 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,742 – $89,933 |
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 Knoxville
In Knoxville, the cost of living index is notably lower at 92.569, which positively impacts the purchasing power of those in the medical and clinical laboratory technologist profession. Employers that tend to offer higher salaries in this field include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which often provide substantial benefits and may require advanced certifications. The disparity between lower and higher pay within this profession is influenced by factors such as shift differentials and the complexity of the work being performed. To optimize earnings, aspiring technologists should consider seeking positions in larger healthcare facilities, pursuing additional certifications, or gaining experience in specialized areas to enhance their appeal to potential employers. Understanding these dynamics will help professionals effectively navigate their career opportunities and financial outcomes in Knoxville.
More salary data for Knoxville, 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 $62,169 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Knoxville 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