Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $63,089 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $63,089/year (≈ $30.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,133 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary of $63,089 for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Portsmouth, Virginia, reflects a noticeable gap when compared to the national median of $68,734. The local salary range varies significantly, from $39,417 at the 10th percentile to $97,788 at the 90th percentile. These figures derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for 2026 projections and regional cost-of-living elements. While local wages can be competitive in certain circumstances, the overall compensation picture indicates that those in Portsmouth may earn approximately 8.21% less than their counterparts nationally. This trend provides insight into the current job market conditions for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the area.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,417 | $18.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,653 | $22.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,089 | $30.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,755 | $38.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,788 | $47.02 |
Median Salary Position
8.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,371 (2026 est.). At $63,089, the local median is 8.21% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $63,089/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $65,175 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -8.21% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $63,089 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.21% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $65,175.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,089 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,133 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,683
2025 BLS Actual
$61,228
2026 Current Est.
$63,089
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,683 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,715 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,237 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,828 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,136 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,901 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,228 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,089 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,007 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $51,683 (2019) to $61,228 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,007 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,324 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $39,417 – $47,653 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,653 – $63,089 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,089 – $80,755 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,755 – $97,788 |
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 Portsmouth
The job market in Portsmouth currently employs 17 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, revealing a relatively small but vital workforce. The cost-of-living index in Portsmouth stands at 103.2, which is slightly above the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may not stretch as far here as in other regions. In this environment, larger healthcare organizations typically offer higher wages compared to private practices or community health centers. Factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and comprehensive benefits packages help explain the variation in pay within the field. To maximize earnings potential, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Portsmouth should consider seeking roles in larger institutions or those offering specialty certifications, as these avenues often provide the best compensation packages.
More salary data for Portsmouth, 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 $61,228 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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