Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Reston, VA: $63,761 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Reston, VA earns a median $63,761/year (≈ $30.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Reston's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,784 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Reston, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 stands at $63,761, which reflects a local employment situation with just 16 professionals in this field. While the salary range spans from $40,963 at the lower end (P10) to $98,830 at the upper echelon (P90), these figures highlight both the opportunities and competitive market dynamics for the role. The estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, which is significant in a city with a cost of living index of 103.2, indicating higher than average living expenses compared to the national baseline. Given these factors, prospects for lab technologists in Reston align with the overall demand for healthcare services in the area, setting a foundation for wage growth.
About the Reston Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,963 | $19.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,955 | $23.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,761 | $30.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,614 | $39.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,830 | $47.51 |
Median Salary Position
7.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reston
In Reston, VA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,867 (2026 est.). At $63,761, the local median is 7.24% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Reston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Reston Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Reston median: $63,761/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $65,195 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -7.24% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Reston, VA earn a median of $63,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.24% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $65,195.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reston has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reston, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,761 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,784 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,234
2025 BLS Actual
$61,880
2026 Current Est.
$63,761
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Reston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,234 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,276 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,423 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,766 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,645 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,761 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,699 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reston metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $52,234 (2019) to $61,880 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,699 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,465 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reston 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) | $40,963 – $48,955 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,955 – $63,761 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,761 – $81,614 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,614 – $98,830 |
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 Reston
When evaluating the job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Reston, VA, it's clear that earning potential is influenced by several local factors. Among the employed professionals, those seeking positions in larger healthcare organizations typically experience higher compensation compared to roles in private practices or community health centers. This can be attributed to better benefits and more significant resources offered by larger employers, which also tend to provide opportunities for specialty training and credentials that can increase pay. Furthermore, the disparity in salaries, ranging from lower to higher levels within this workforce, is often driven by shift differentials and the complexities of specialized roles. Candidates aiming to maximize their earnings in the Reston market should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking roles in larger healthcare settings, and staying informed about shifts in local healthcare demands, ultimately enhancing their marketability and pay.
More salary data for Reston, 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 $61,880 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Reston 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 Reston 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