Runs blood, tissue, and microbiology tests. Critical shortage post-pandemic.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Medical Lab Technicians. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $46,300 | $37,000 | $57,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $57,500 | $46,000 | $71,900 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $66,200 | $52,900 | $82,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $79,400 | $63,400 | $99,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $90,000 | $71,900 | $112,400 |
Top 10 states by median Medical Lab Technician salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $92,600 | $70,400 | $120,400 | +40% |
| California | $89,300 | $67,900 | $116,100 | +35% |
| New York | $88,000 | $66,900 | $114,400 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $86,000 | $65,400 | $111,800 | +30% |
| Washington | $86,000 | $65,400 | $111,800 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $83,300 | $63,300 | $108,400 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $80,000 | $60,800 | $104,100 | +21% |
| Maryland | $79,400 | $60,300 | $103,200 | +20% |
| Colorado | $77,400 | $58,800 | $100,600 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $75,400 | $57,300 | $98,000 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $56,200 | $42,700 | $73,100 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $55,600 | $42,200 | $72,200 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $55,600 | $42,200 | $72,200 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $55,600 | $42,200 | $72,200 | -16% |
| Alabama | $54,900 | $41,700 | $71,400 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $54,900 | $41,700 | $71,400 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $52,900 | $40,200 | $68,800 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $52,900 | $40,200 | $68,800 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $51,600 | $39,200 | $67,100 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $51,600 | $39,200 | $67,100 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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