Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in McLean, VA: $63,829 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in McLean, VA earns a median $63,829/year (≈ $30.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in McLean's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,850 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in McLean, Virginia, is $63,829, which reflects a cost-of-living adjusted purchasing power that is slightly lower than the national median of $68,734. The local salary range for this profession spans from $39,201 at the 10th percentile to $98,027 at the 90th percentile, showcasing considerable variation among professionals in the field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences, and represent a stable demand for skilled labor in this area as the job market continues to grow at an annual rate of 3.04%. The nuances of McLean’s health system and employer types significantly shape earning potential, indicating targeted opportunities for those entering this career.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,201 | $18.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,539 | $22.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,829 | $30.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,976 | $38.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,027 | $47.13 |
Median Salary Position
7.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McLean
In McLean, VA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,826 (2026 est.). At $63,829, the local median is 7.14% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McLean: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McLean Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
McLean median: $63,829/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McLean Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $65,198 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -7.14% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in McLean, VA earn a median of $63,829 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.14% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $65,198.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McLean has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McLean, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,829 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,850 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$52,289
2025 BLS Actual
$61,946
2026 Current Est.
$63,829
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,333 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,483 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,946 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,829 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,770 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McLean metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $52,289 (2019) to $61,946 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,770 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,481 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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) | $39,201 – $47,539 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,539 – $63,829 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,829 – $80,976 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,976 – $98,027 |
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 McLean
Across McLean, the employment picture holds a modest count with only 11 medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently in the field. Although salaries appear competitive, the cost-of-living index at 103.2 indicates that living expenses are above the national average, impacting overall take-home pay. Most competitive employers in the area include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which tend to provide higher salaries and superior benefits. Factors such as shift differentials and specialized credentials often drive the wage disparities in this market. To maximize earning potential, aspiring professionals should seek certifications and consider roles with larger institutions that offer growth opportunities. Understanding the landscape of employer types could be key for those asking how much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in McLean VA.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in McLean, VA in 2026?
Is McLean, VA a good place to work as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in McLean?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in McLean?
How much does a medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per hour in McLean?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $61,946 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the McLean 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 McLean 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