Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Norfolk, VA: $65,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Norfolk, VA earns a median $65,248/year (≈ $31.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $63,225 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the financial landscape for medical and clinical laboratory technologists presents a median annual salary of $65,248 for 2026. This figure ranks slightly below the national median of $68,734, reflecting a cost-of-living index of 103.2, indicating that while salaries are competitive, local purchasing power may be somewhat diminished compared to national standards. For those entering this field, the earnings spectrum ranges from $37,844 at the lower end, ideal for entry-level positions, to $101,135 for seasoned professionals in specialized roles. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected for 2026, and highlight the evolving demand for skilled technologists within the Norfolk job market.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,844 | $18.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,142 | $22.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,248 | $31.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,517 | $40.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,135 | $48.62 |
Median Salary Position
5.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,291 (2026 est.). At $65,248, the local median is 5.07% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $65,248/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $65,183 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -5.07% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $65,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.07% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.10% above the Virginia state average of $65,183.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,248 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,225 — 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
$53,452
2025 BLS Actual
$63,323
2026 Current Est.
$65,248
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,452 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,518 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,161 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,738 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,517 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,323 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,232 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $53,452 (2019) to $63,323 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,232 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,780 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $37,844 – $47,142 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,142 – $65,248 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,248 – $83,517 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,517 – $101,135 |
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 Norfolk
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Norfolk VA remains stable, with 54 professionals currently employed in this sector. The slightly elevated cost-of-living index suggests that healthcare providers here offer slightly adjusted salaries to help offset living expenses. Among employers, larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to provide higher salaries, bolstered by comprehensive benefits packages that enhance overall earnings. The disparity in compensation is also influenced by factors like shift differentials and specialty certifications, creating a varied pay scale within the industry. To maximize earnings potential in Norfolk, pursuing additional credentials and staying informed about emerging healthcare technologies are prudent strategies for aspiring technologists.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Norfolk, VA in 2026?
Is Norfolk, VA a good place to work as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Norfolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Norfolk?
How much does a medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per hour in Norfolk?
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 $63,323 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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