Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Waco, TX: $57,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Waco, TX earns a median $57,822/year (≈ $27.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Waco's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.5), that paycheck buys what $62,476 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.9% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waco, Texas, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 is estimated at $57,822, which puts it below the state average. The salary range for these professionals spans from $43,219 at the 10th percentile to $97,230 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. Despite the relatively lower median when compared to the national average of $68,734, Waco's salary structure emphasizes a competitive market for skilled technicians, indicating an ongoing demand for qualified professionals in the region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,219 | $20.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,414 | $22.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,822 | $27.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,620 | $36.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,230 | $46.75 |
Median Salary Position
15.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waco
In Waco, TX, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,011 (2026 est.). At $57,822, the local median is 15.88% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waco Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Waco median: $57,822/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $63,471 | -8.90% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -15.88% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waco, TX earn a median of $57,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.88% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 8.90% below the Texas state average of $63,471.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waco has a cost of living 7.45% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waco, TX has a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $57,822 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,476 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,660
2025 BLS Actual
$56,116
2026 Current Est.
$57,822
2019–2027 Growth
+22.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,116 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,580 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waco metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 15.3% from $48,660 (2019) to $56,116 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,580 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,920 (22.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waco 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) | $43,219 – $47,414 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,414 – $57,822 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,822 – $76,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,620 – $97,230 |
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 Waco
Focusing on the local job scene, Waco employs around 260 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, highlighting the presence of a stable workforce in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 92.55, professionals here experience a favorable economic environment, which positively impacts their disposable incomes. Major employers in the area, such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, tend to offer the most competitive salaries. Variability in pay can depend on several factors, including employer size, specialty credentials, and the existence of shift differentials. To maximize earning potential, laboratory technologists in Waco should consider pursuing additional certifications or seeking roles in larger institutions, as these can lead to substantial increases in pay and benefits.
More salary data for Waco, 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 $56,116 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Waco 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