Senior Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Burlington, IA: $81,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical and clinical laboratory technologists working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,294/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2010. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,927 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burlington, IA, reflect significant earning potential, particularly for those who ascend to the top tiers of the profession. With a projected P90 salary of $81,294 in 2026, those in advanced roles find themselves well-compensated compared to the median annual salary of $53,685. This disparity highlights the experience premium that senior professionals can command in this market, where seasoned technologists who demonstrate expertise and leadership can earn substantially more than their less experienced counterparts. To reach these top-tier salaries, technologists need a combination of specialized skills, extensive practical experience, and a proactive approach to career advancement, often seeking roles in healthcare organizations that value their advanced capabilities.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $67,789 and $81,294 per year (2026 est.). This $46,328 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $53,685 sits 21.89% below the US median.
Top MLS Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $53,685 | $68,734 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,789 | $88,962 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,294 | $110,303 |
In Burlington, experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists (P90) earn 51.43% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA medical and clinical laboratory technologists with additional specialty certifications within the clinical laboratory science field earn significantly above the $53,685 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the clinical laboratory science field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,789–$81,294 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist
5-10 yearsMedical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #17 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary (90th percentile: $81,294).
Top 10% medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation in Burlington ($81,294) is 7.32% below the Iowa average P90 ($87,717).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,693
2025 BLS Actual
$78,896
2026 Current Est.
$81,294
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,693 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,389 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,982 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,146 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,357 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,595 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,896 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,766 | Projected |
Top-earning medical and clinical laboratory technologists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 23.9% from $63,693 in 2019 to $78,896 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.04% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $83,766 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Earnings in Burlington
Salary dynamics for senior medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burlington vary widely based on employer type and areas of specialization. Those working in specialized clinics or large healthcare organizations might command higher wages compared to their colleagues in community health centers or private practices due to varied resource allocations and the complexity of procedures handled. Leadership roles, such as clinical coordinators or department directors, not only offer higher compensation but also the potential for enhanced job satisfaction. Advanced credentials, like a Master of Science in Laboratory Science or specialty board certifications, further elevate earning potential in a competitive field. Non-salary benefits, including shift differentials and robust healthcare coverage, also play a critical role in attracting experienced professionals in Iowa, making it essential for technologists to actively pursue opportunities that enhance both their financial prospects and job fulfillment.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $78,896 for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the Burlington metro area. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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