Med Lab Scientist Salary

Senior Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Brentwood, TN: $96,774 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical and clinical laboratory technologists working in Brentwood, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $96,774/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2010. Strip back Brentwood's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $105,418 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$96,774
Top 10% Earn
$46.52/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$79,917
75th Percentile
$96,774
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Brentwood offers a competitive environment for experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists, with the potential to earn substantially more than the median annual salary of $62,435. Top earners can achieve a salary of up to $96,774 by 2026, significantly enhancing the earning potential for those who have dedicated seven or more years to the profession. The experience premium is evident, as the gap between the median and the highest-tier pay is quite pronounced, highlighting the financial benefits of advancing one's career in this field. Achieving such top-tier compensation typically involves deepening expertise through specialization, pursuing advanced certifications, and possibly taking on leadership roles that require both technical proficiency and managerial skills.

About the Brentwood Market

Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Brentwood. The median salary is $62,435, compared to the national median of $68,734.$37.8K$53.8K$69.7K$85.7K$101.6K$42.0K10th Pctl$47.8K25th Pctl$62.4KMedian$79.9K75th Pctl$96.8K90th PctlUS Median$68.7K

Experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists at the top of the pay scale in Brentwood earn between $79,917 and $96,774 per year (2026 est.). This $54,739 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brentwood median of $62,435 sits 9.16% below the US median.

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

Top MLS Salary Comparison

LevelBrentwoodNational
Median (P50)$62,435$68,734
75th Percentile$79,917$88,962
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$96,774$110,303

In Brentwood, experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists (P90) earn 55.00% 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 Brentwood

1

Advanced Certifications in Tennessee

TN medical and clinical laboratory technologists with additional specialty certifications within the clinical laboratory science field earn significantly above the $62,435 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brentwood employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the clinical laboratory science field in Brentwood command premium compensation, often reaching the $79,917–$96,774 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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 Tennessee 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 Brentwood

Clinical Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

0-5 years
$42,035 – $62,435

Senior/Lead Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

5-10 years
$62,435 – $79,917

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Department Manager

10+ years
$79,917+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Brentwood ranks #15 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary (90th percentile: $96,774).

Top 10% medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation in Brentwood ($96,774) is 2.8% below the Tennessee average P90 ($99,560).

2019 BLS Actual

$75,822

2025 BLS Actual

$93,919

2026 Current Est.

$96,774

2019–2027 Growth

+31.5%

Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Brentwood (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 Brentwood. Baseline $75,822 in 2025, projected to $99,716 by 2027.$68.6K$77.7K$86.8K$95.8K$104.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$75.8K$77.8K$73.8K$78.7K$87.3K$85.1K$93.9K$96.8K$99.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$75,822Actual
2020$77,840Actual
2021$73,785Actual
2022$78,742Actual
2023$87,325Actual
2024$85,098Actual
2025$93,919Actual
2026(current)$96,774Estimated
2027$99,716Projected

Top-earning medical and clinical laboratory technologists (90th percentile) in Brentwood saw their compensation grow 23.9% from $75,822 in 2019 to $93,919 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 $99,716 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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 Brentwood

Within Brentwood, the landscape of senior medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay varies greatly depending on the employer type. Those in specialty clinics or large healthcare organizations often command higher salaries compared to positions in community health centers or smaller practices. Furthermore, certain specializations, such as molecular diagnostics or transfusion medicine, are particularly in demand and can lead to premium pay. Advancement opportunities abound for seasoned technologists; roles such as lab manager, clinical coordinator, or educator can elevate one’s profile and salary. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as a Master of Laboratory Science (MLS) or other nationally recognized certifications, further enhances employability and earning potential in TN. Non-salary benefits like shift differentials and comprehensive employer-provided benefits also play a significant role in overall compensation for experienced professionals in this region.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top-earning medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Brentwood (90th percentile) make $96,774/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.04% annual growth). This is $34,339 more than the area median of $62,435 — 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 Brentwood?

Higher medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Brentwood 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 Brentwood?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Brentwood include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $62,435, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

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

The 90th percentile in Brentwood is $96,774. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

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

In Brentwood, the gap between entry level ($42,035) and top earners ($96,774) is $54,739, 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.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Tennessee

AC

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 $93,919 for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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

Last verified: