Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $63,505 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Oak Ridge, TN earns a median $63,505/year (≈ $30.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Oak Ridge's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $69,178 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 stands at $63,505, which indicates a slight deviation from the national median of $68,734, reflecting a variance of -7.61%. The local salary range is quite varied, spanning from $39,035 at the 10th percentile to $98,432 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and are adjusted for regional price parities. The current employment landscape in Oak Ridge, with only six medical and clinical laboratory technologists reported, suggests a somewhat niche job market, which may influence both competition and salary negotiations for potential candidates.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,035 | $18.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,471 | $22.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,505 | $30.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,708 | $38.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,432 | $47.33 |
Median Salary Position
7.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, TN, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,397 (2026 est.). At $63,505, the local median is 7.61% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Ridge Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Oak Ridge median: $63,505/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $64,735 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -7.61% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $63,505 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.61% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $64,735.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Ridge has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oak Ridge, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $63,505 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,178 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,023
2025 BLS Actual
$61,631
2026 Current Est.
$63,505
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,023 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,062 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,607 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,525 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,842 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,505 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,435 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Ridge metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $52,023 (2019) to $61,631 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,435 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,412 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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) | $39,035 – $47,471 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,471 – $63,505 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,505 – $80,708 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,708 – $98,432 |
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 Oak Ridge
With a relatively low cost of living index of 91.8, Oak Ridge presents a favorable economic environment for medical and clinical laboratory technologists. Despite the modest median salary, the purchasing power of a technologist's income may be enhanced by lower living expenses compared to national averages. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer salaries on the higher end of the spectrum, especially for those with advanced certifications or specific technical expertise. The pay range can be significantly influenced by factors such as shift differentials, which can benefit evening and weekend workers, along with comprehensive benefits packages. For those looking to maximize their pay in Oak Ridge, developing specialized skills and pursuing certifications, while also considering shift flexibility, can provide leverage to secure more favorable compensation.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, 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 $61,631 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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