Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Suffolk, VA: $64,107 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Suffolk, VA earns a median $64,107/year (≈ $30.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $62,119 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Suffolk, Virginia, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median salary of $64,107, which falls below the national median of $68,734 for this occupation. The local salary range varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning around $41,734 while the top 10% can make as much as $99,367. These figures reflect 2026 estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional cost adjustments. Given the competition for skilled positions, the salary dynamics in Suffolk provide insight into the employment landscape for professionals in this field, particularly as healthcare demand continues to grow.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,734 | $20.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,633 | $23.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,107 | $30.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,414 | $39.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,367 | $47.77 |
Median Salary Position
6.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,633 (2026 est.). At $64,107, the local median is 6.73% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $64,107/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $65,216 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -6.73% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $64,107 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.73% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $65,216.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,107 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,119 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,517
2025 BLS Actual
$62,216
2026 Current Est.
$64,107
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,517 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,565 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,729 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,028 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,216 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,107 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,056 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $52,517 (2019) to $62,216 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,056 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,539 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $41,734 – $49,633 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,633 – $64,107 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,107 – $81,414 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,414 – $99,367 |
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 Suffolk
The local job market appears stable, with approximately 15 medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in Suffolk. However, the cost of living index stands at 103.2, suggesting that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which may affect take-home pay. In terms of compensation, larger healthcare organizations typically offer higher salaries than private practices or community health centers. This pay disparity can also be attributed to factors such as specialty credentials, shift differentials, and the benefits packages offered by employers. For those in Suffolk seeking to maximize their medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay, obtaining specialized certifications and considering employment with larger institutions or in high-demand specialties may provide better financial opportunities.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Suffolk, VA in 2026?
Is Suffolk, VA a good place to work as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Suffolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Suffolk?
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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 $62,216 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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