Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Burien, WA: $65,740 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Burien, WA earns a median $65,740/year (≈ $31.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Burien's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $61,210 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Burien, Washington, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary is projected to be quite competitive, with a median annual figure of $65,740 for 2026. This figure highlights a slight decrease compared to the national median of $68,734, demonstrating the local market's subtleties. The salary range for professionals in this field extends from $42,166 at the 10th percentile to $101,896 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differentials, reflect a specialized market that includes only eight medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burien, indicating a relatively stable employment landscape.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,166 | $20.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,424 | $24.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,740 | $31.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,147 | $40.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,896 | $48.99 |
Median Salary Position
4.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
In Burien, WA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,730 (2026 est.). At $65,740, the local median is 4.36% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burien: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burien Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Burien median: $65,740/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burien Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $66,070 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -4.36% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Burien, WA earn a median of $65,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.36% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $66,070.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burien has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burien, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,740 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,210 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,854
2025 BLS Actual
$63,800
2026 Current Est.
$65,740
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,854 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,929 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,599 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,173 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,740 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,738 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burien metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $53,854 (2019) to $63,800 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,738 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,884 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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) | $42,166 – $50,424 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,424 – $65,740 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,740 – $84,147 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,147 – $101,896 |
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 Burien
Within the local job market, the cost of living index stands at 107.4, which influences take-home purchasing power for technologists. Despite the competitive nature of salaries, professionals must consider operating costs and housing in the area. Generally, larger healthcare organizations tend to offer the highest pay, often supplemented by robust benefits. Variations in compensation can arise from several factors, including shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the scale of the employing institution. To maximize their earnings, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burien should pursue additional certifications and consider positions that offer night or weekend shifts, as these can come with increased pay rates. Understanding the unique dynamics in Burien can aid in making informed career decisions.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Burien, WA in 2026?
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Burien?
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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 $63,800 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Burien 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 Burien 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