Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Federal Way, WA: $65,450 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Federal Way, WA earns a median $65,450/year (≈ $31.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Federal Way's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $60,940 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $65,450 for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Federal Way, Washington, the compensation slightly lags behind the national average, which stands at $68,734 for 2026. The salary range for professionals in this role varies significantly from $40,541 at the 10th percentile to $101,447 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level BLS data adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect the diverse employment landscape in the area. Federal Way’s medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay reveals both opportunities and challenges, indicating a competitive market environment for job seekers.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,541 | $19.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,241 | $23.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,450 | $31.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,776 | $40.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,447 | $48.77 |
Median Salary Position
4.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Federal Way
In Federal Way, WA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,906 (2026 est.). At $65,450, the local median is 4.78% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Federal Way: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Federal Way Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Federal Way median: $65,450/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Federal Way Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $66,044 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -4.78% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Federal Way, WA earn a median of $65,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.78% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $66,044.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Federal Way has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Federal Way, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,450 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,940 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,617
2025 BLS Actual
$63,519
2026 Current Est.
$65,450
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,617 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,687 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,341 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,917 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,349 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,659 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,519 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,450 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,440 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Federal Way metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $53,617 (2019) to $63,519 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,440 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,823 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Federal Way 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) | $40,541 – $49,241 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,241 – $65,450 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,450 – $83,776 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,776 – $101,447 |
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 Federal Way
The local job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Federal Way includes 22 professionals, pointing to a niche field as the community seeks expertise in healthcare. Given the cost of living index of 107.4, which is slightly above the national average, take-home pay may be impacted, making it essential for technologists to explore lucrative opportunities. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer better salary packages compared to private practices or smaller community health centers. The variation in pay can often be attributed to factors like shift differentials, specialized certification, and the overall benefits structure that larger employers can provide. To maximize earning potential in Federal Way, professionals should consider obtaining additional certifications and pursuing positions within larger organizations that often have a greater capacity to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
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 $63,519 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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