Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Austin, TX: $65,064 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Austin, TX earns a median $65,064/year (≈ $31.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Austin's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $66,347 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Austin, TX, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 stands at $65,064. This figure lags behind the national median of $68,734 by approximately 5.34%, highlighting a potential gap in compensation for professionals in this field. Salaries in this sector can range significantly, with the lowest earners making around $40,063, while the highest can see figures reaching up to $102,790. This data, derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected into 2026, indicates a competitive job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists. Given the growing demand, those considering a career in this field may find opportunities worth exploring, especially in a vibrant city like Austin.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,063 | $19.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,050 | $24.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,064 | $31.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,660 | $39.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,790 | $49.43 |
Median Salary Position
5.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Austin
In Austin, TX, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,727 (2026 est.). At $65,064, the local median is 5.34% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Austin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Austin Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Austin median: $65,064/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Austin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $63,415 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -5.34% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Austin, TX earn a median of $65,064 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.34% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.60% above the Texas state average of $63,415.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Austin has a cost of living 1.93% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Austin, TX has a cost-of-living index of 98.066 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $65,064 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,347 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.97% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,770
2025 BLS Actual
$63,144
2026 Current Est.
$65,064
2019–2027 Growth
+37.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,144 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,064 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,042 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Austin metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 29.5% from $48,770 (2019) to $63,144 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,042 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,272 (37.47%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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) | $40,063 – $51,050 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,050 – $65,064 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,064 – $82,660 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,660 – $102,790 |
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 Austin
The local job market features approximately 1,860 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in the area, providing solid prospects for those entering the profession. Austin’s cost of living index, at 98.066, is slightly below the national average, which means that salaries, while lower than the national benchmark, can still afford a reasonable standard of living when adjusted for local expenses. Among the highest-paying employers in Austin are large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which often provide better compensation packages compared to private practices and community health centers. Factors such as shift differentials, specialization, and overall benefits structure contribute to the substantial pay disparity between entry-level positions and those requiring advanced credentials. For those aiming to maximize their pay in the Austin market, pursuing certifications, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and targeting larger healthcare providers can be effective strategies to enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Austin, TX:
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 $63,144 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Austin 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