Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Lakewood, WA: $65,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Lakewood, WA earns a median $65,258/year (≈ $31.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $60,762 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Lakewood, Washington, is projected to be $65,258, which reflects a slight deviation from the state average. This figure shows a substantial salary range that spans from $37,850 at the 10th percentile to $101,150 for the 90th percentile, illustrating both entry-level and experienced positions within the profession. Market estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments reveal that professionals in this field face a competitive landscape. The local job market is positioned in a way that supports the employment of 14 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, indicating a focused demand for these healthcare professionals in Lakewood.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,850 | $18.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,907 | $24.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,258 | $31.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,530 | $40.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,150 | $48.63 |
Median Salary Position
5.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, WA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,300 (2026 est.). At $65,258, the local median is 5.06% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $65,258/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $66,051 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -5.06% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lakewood, WA earn a median of $65,258 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.06% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $66,051.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,258 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,762 — a 6.89% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$53,460
2025 BLS Actual
$63,333
2026 Current Est.
$65,258
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,527 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,747 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,169 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,383 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,333 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,242 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $53,460 (2019) to $63,333 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,242 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,782 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $37,850 – $50,907 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,907 – $65,258 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,258 – $83,530 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,530 – $101,150 |
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 Lakewood
Considering the cost of living index in Lakewood, which stands at 107.4, it's clear that salaries must accommodate this reality to maintain purchasing power for residents. Among the employers operating in Lakewood, larger healthcare organizations tend to offer the highest wages, likely due to their capacity for more substantial benefits and resources. Factors influencing the significant disparity in pay, ranging from shift differentials to specialized credentials, also play a role in shaping overall compensation. To maximize earnings in this market, technologists should pursue further specialization and negotiate for flexible scheduling or overtime opportunities that can enhance their income potential. Understanding the dynamics of the local healthcare environment will help professionals answer the question, how much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Lakewood, with a more informed outlook.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Lakewood, WA in 2026?
Is Lakewood, WA a good place to work as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Lakewood?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Lakewood?
How much does a medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per hour in Lakewood?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $63,333 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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