Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Sterling, VA: $62,559 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Sterling, VA earns a median $62,559/year (≈ $30.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Sterling's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $60,619 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists stands at $62,559 for the year 2026, offering a competitive wage compared to the broader market. This salary range demonstrates considerable variability, with the lowest 10% earning about $41,309 while the top 90% can take home as much as $96,966. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, indicate a well-defined job market, albeit with only seven individuals currently employed in this field. The local demand for skilled technologists suggests that opportunities remain available for recent graduates and experienced professionals alike, shaping a developing workforce environment.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,309 | $19.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,483 | $22.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,559 | $30.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,075 | $38.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,966 | $46.62 |
Median Salary Position
8.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling
In Sterling, VA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,657 (2026 est.). At $62,559, the local median is 8.98% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Sterling median: $62,559/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $65,233 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -8.98% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Sterling, VA earn a median of $62,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.98% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $65,233.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,559 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,619 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,249
2025 BLS Actual
$60,713
2026 Current Est.
$62,559
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,249 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,764 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,359 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,313 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,713 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,559 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,460 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $51,249 (2019) to $60,713 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,460 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,211 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling 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) | $41,309 – $47,483 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,483 – $62,559 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,559 – $80,075 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,075 – $96,966 |
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 Sterling
The labor market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Sterling reflects a nuanced landscape influenced by various factors, including employer type and local cost of living. With a cost of living index of 103.2, professionals in this area must consider the impact on real purchasing power. Larger healthcare organizations often offer the most competitive wages, while specialty clinics and community health centers provide alternative pathways for growth, albeit sometimes at lower pay scales. The disparity in earnings can also be attributed to variables such as shift differentials and specialized credentials. For those aspiring to maximize their compensation in the local market, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in larger healthcare systems are effective strategies that can enhance overall pay. Understanding this employer-employee dynamic is essential for anyone looking to understand the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Sterling.
More salary data for Sterling, 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 $60,713 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Sterling 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 Sterling 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