Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in South Charleston, WV: $64,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in South Charleston, WV earns a median $64,535/year (≈ $31.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in South Charleston's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $74,607 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Charleston, West Virginia, can anticipate a median annual salary of $64,535, reflecting the local market's dynamics. The salary range for this occupation varies considerably, from $42,050 at the lower end (P10) to $95,220 for the top earners (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. With only five medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in the area, the field shows signs of limited saturation, potentially indicating a competitive job market for new entrants and seasoned professionals alike.
About the South Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,050 | $20.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,612 | $23.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,535 | $31.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,940 | $38.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,220 | $45.78 |
Median Salary Position
6.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Charleston
In South Charleston, WV, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,170 (2026 est.). At $64,535, the local median is 6.11% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Charleston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Charleston Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
South Charleston median: $64,535/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $67,364 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -6.11% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in South Charleston, WV earn a median of $64,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.11% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.20% below the West Virginia state average of $67,364.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Charleston has a cost of living 13.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Charleston, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $64,535 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,607 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,868
2025 BLS Actual
$62,631
2026 Current Est.
$64,535
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in South Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,868 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,923 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,525 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,107 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,491 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,402 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,497 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Charleston metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $52,868 (2019) to $62,631 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,497 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,629 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Charleston 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) | $42,050 – $49,612 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,612 – $64,535 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,535 – $79,940 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,940 – $95,220 |
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 South Charleston
The local job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Charleston operates within a cost-of-living index of 86.5, which suggests that salaries may stretch further compared to higher-cost areas. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer more attractive compensation packages, often driven by factors such as shift differentials and specialized credentials. The disparity in pay among positions may also stem from variations in employer size and benefits structures, providing opportunities for technologists to negotiate better terms. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications or seeking roles in larger health systems may prove advantageous, allowing candidates to capitalize on both the projected job growth of 3.04% and the relative affordability of living in South Charleston, WV.
More salary data for South Charleston, WV:
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 $62,631 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the South Charleston 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 South Charleston 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