Med Lab Scientist Salary

Senior Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Winona, MN: $104,596 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical and clinical laboratory technologists working in Winona, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $104,596/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2010. Strip back Winona's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $106,189 in average-cost America. The 54% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$104,596
Top 10% Earn
$50.28/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$86,216
75th Percentile
$104,596
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Senior Salary in Winona, MN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Winona, MN medical and clinical laboratory technologist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Senior medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Winona, MN, are positioned to earn a competitive salary reflecting their experience and advanced skills. With the top earners in this field achieving a commendable annual salary of $104,596, compared to a median of $68,011, there is a significant financial incentive for those who ascend to senior roles. In this market, reaching such top-tier pay often requires a combination of extensive experience, specialized training, and possibly certifications that demonstrate advanced competencies. When contrasted with the national top-tier average of $68,734, Winona’s numbers show that skilled professionals can find rewarding compensation, especially if they are proactive in developing their expertise in high-demand practice areas.

About the Winona Market

Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Winona. The median salary is $68,011, compared to the national median of $68,734.$39.4K$57.0K$74.6K$92.2K$109.8K$43.8K10th Pctl$52.1K25th Pctl$68.0KMedian$86.2K75th Pctl$104.6K90th PctlUS Median$68.7K

Experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists at the top of the pay scale in Winona earn between $86,216 and $104,596 per year (2026 est.). This $60,764 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Winona median of $68,011 sits 1.05% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in the Winona metro area.

Top MLS Salary Comparison

LevelWinonaNational
Median (P50)$68,011$68,734
75th Percentile$86,216$88,962
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$104,596$110,303

In Winona, experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists (P90) earn 53.79% 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 Winona

1

Advanced Certifications in Minnesota

MN medical and clinical laboratory technologists with additional specialty certifications within the clinical laboratory science field earn significantly above the $68,011 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Winona employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the clinical laboratory science field in Winona command premium compensation, often reaching the $86,216–$104,596 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Winona metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Winona with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Minnesota 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 Winona

Clinical Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

0-5 years
$43,832 – $68,011

Senior/Lead Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

5-10 years
$68,011 – $86,216

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Department Manager

10+ years
$86,216+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Winona ranks #37 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary (90th percentile: $104,596).

Top 10% medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation in Winona ($104,596) is 1.73% below the Minnesota average P90 ($106,435).

2019 BLS Actual

$81,950

2025 BLS Actual

$101,510

2026 Current Est.

$104,596

2019–2027 Growth

+31.5%

Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Winona (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Winona. Baseline $81,950 in 2025, projected to $107,776 by 2027.$74.1K$84.0K$93.8K$103.6K$113.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$82.0K$84.1K$79.7K$85.1K$94.4K$104.8K$101.5K$104.6K$107.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$81,950Actual
2020$84,131Actual
2021$79,749Actual
2022$85,106Actual
2023$94,383Actual
2024$104,796Actual
2025$101,510Actual
2026(current)$104,596Estimated
2027$107,776Projected

Top-earning medical and clinical laboratory technologists (90th percentile) in Winona saw their compensation grow 23.9% from $81,950 in 2019 to $101,510 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 $107,776 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Winona

Compensation in this field can vary significantly based on employer type and specialization. For instance, those in specialty clinics or large healthcare organizations may command higher wages compared to those in smaller private practices or community health centers. Furthermore, senior roles often open up pathways to leadership positions such as clinical coordinators or department directors, which can enhance earning potential well beyond the median. Advanced credentials, such as a Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) or relevant national certifications, also contribute to higher salary levels. Non-salary benefits, including shift differentials and comprehensive benefits packages, come into play at this level of employment, ensuring that experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Winona are recognized not just for their base salary but also for the overall compensation structure that supports their professional growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Winona in 2026?

Top-earning medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Winona (90th percentile) make $104,596/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.04% annual growth). This is $36,585 more than the area median of $68,011 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior medical and clinical laboratory technologists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Winona?

Higher medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Winona is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Winona?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Winona include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $68,011, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists make six figures in Winona?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Winona is $104,596, well above $100K. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary increase over time in Winona?

In Winona, the gap between entry level ($43,832) and top earners ($104,596) is $60,764, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jerome Patel, BS, MT(ASCP)Data verified by Fatima Hussain, MS, CLS

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 $101,510 for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the Winona 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 Winona is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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