Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Memphis, TN: $69,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Memphis, TN earns a median $69,902/year (≈ $33.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Memphis's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $75,833 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Memphis, Tennessee, holds a median annual figure of $69,902, slightly above the national median of $68,734. This level of compensation reflects a solid purchasing power, especially with the city's cost of living index at 92.179, which is below the national average. The salary range in the Memphis area extends from $42,891 at the P10 level to $107,705 at the P90 level, showcasing the variability within the profession. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys projected to 2026, indicates a promising landscape for job seekers in this field, particularly as the demand for skilled laboratory professionals is expected to grow.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,891 | $20.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,792 | $25.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,902 | $33.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,118 | $44.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,705 | $51.78 |
Median Salary Position
1.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
In Memphis, TN, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,814 (2026 est.). At $69,902, the local median is 1.7% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Memphis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Memphis Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Memphis median: $69,902/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Memphis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $64,724 | +8.00% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +1.70% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Memphis, TN earn a median of $69,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 8.00% above the Tennessee state average of $64,724.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Memphis has a cost of living 7.82% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.179 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $69,902 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,833 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,840
2025 BLS Actual
$67,840
2026 Current Est.
$69,902
2019–2027 Growth
+24.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,700 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,027 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Memphis metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 17.3% from $57,840 (2019) to $67,840 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,027 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,187 (24.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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) | $42,891 – $53,792 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,792 – $69,902 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,902 – $92,118 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,118 – $107,705 |
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 Memphis
The job market in Memphis continues to be strong, with around 1,830 medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in the region. The below-average cost of living allows professionals to enjoy a favorable take-home pay, enhancing their quality of life. Employers offering the highest salaries include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, often providing additional benefits that contribute to overall compensation. The disparity in pay is influenced by factors such as shift differentials, specialized certifications, and employer size. To maximize earnings in the Memphis job market, candidates should seek positions in larger institutions or consider obtaining advanced certifications to boost their qualifications and salary potential. Understanding the local employer landscape and negotiating effectively can lead to better compensation outcomes for those pursuing a career in this field.
More salary data for Memphis, 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 $67,840 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Memphis 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