Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Fairfax, VA: $62,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Fairfax, VA earns a median $62,247/year (≈ $29.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $60,317 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Fairfax, VA, is projected to be $62,247 annually. This figure represents a noticeable gap below the national median of $68,734, highlighting a competitive market for healthcare professionals in the area. Salary estimates range significantly from $39,924 at the 10th percentile to $93,578 at the 90th percentile. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, indicate that while the entry-level salaries in Fairfax may be on the lower end of the spectrum, there is significant potential for growth as experience and specialization increase.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,924 | $19.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,588 | $22.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,247 | $29.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,179 | $37.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,578 | $44.99 |
Median Salary Position
9.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,654 (2026 est.). At $62,247, the local median is 9.44% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $62,247/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $65,181 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -9.44% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $62,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.44% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $65,181.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,247 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,317 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,994
2025 BLS Actual
$60,411
2026 Current Est.
$62,247
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,994 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,011 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,486 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,083 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,347 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,968 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,411 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,140 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $50,994 (2019) to $60,411 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,140 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,146 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $39,924 – $47,588 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,588 – $62,247 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,247 – $78,179 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,179 – $93,578 |
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 Fairfax
The local job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists appears modest, with only four professionals reported to be employed in the Fairfax area. The cost of living index of 103.2 suggests that while salaries are competitive, they may not stretch as far as those in lower-cost areas. In terms of compensation, larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the highest salaries, with variations driven by shift differentials, required certifications, and benefits packages. For professionals aiming to maximize their pay in Fairfax, pursuing additional specialties or certifications can be advantageous, as employers often reward advanced skills with higher wages. Focusing on roles within established medical facilities may also present better opportunities for salary growth, given the area's healthcare demands.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
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 $60,411 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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