Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Richmond, IN: $31,405 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Richmond, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,405 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,398 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($52,247) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the field as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Richmond, Indiana, can lead to a starting salary of around $31,405 in 2026. For new graduates, this entry-level pay is significantly lower than the overall city median of $52,247. As you progress through your early career, expect a path that could take you through the 25th percentile earning $41,714, advancing toward the median as you gain experience. With a growth rate of 3.04% annually, the entry-level market aligns with an encouraging trajectory within the Richmond area, suggesting it remains a viable option for new graduates to establish their careers despite the initial salary gap compared to the national average of $68,734.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Richmond, IN typically start between $31,405 and $41,714 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,389 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $52,247 — 23.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Indiana of $48,000 represents just 152.84% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($31,405/year) in Richmond. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on NAACLS-accredited MLS bachelor's programs and state university tuition data. The role is sometimes called Medical Technologist (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS); BLS aggregates these under the broader OCC 29-2010 'Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians' group code, which also covers MLT (associate-degree technicians, OCC 29-2012). National data and state-level wages reflect the combined group, since the 2024 BLS national OEWS file does not separately publish 29-2011 (Technologists) and 29-2012 (Technicians) at the national level.
MLS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $31,405 to $41,714, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the clinical laboratory science field — employers in IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Richmond, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Compensation Range
The medical and clinical laboratory technologist wage spread in Richmond is $48,389 ( 154.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,405, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,794.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,219
2025 BLS Actual
$30,478
2026 Current Est.
$31,405
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,219 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,635 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,718 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,588 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,802 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,006 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,405 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,359 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, IN grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,219 in 2019 to $30,478 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,359. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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.
Starting Your clinical laboratory science Career in Richmond
In Richmond, some of the key employers looking to hire entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists include large hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations typically have structured onboarding processes that can facilitate a smoother transition from academic training to practical work. For young professionals, obtaining state licensure, coupled with optional advanced certifications recognized by national bodies, can significantly enhance earning potential and career advancement. As you navigate the first one to three years in this profession, anticipate realistic salary increments, reflecting differences in employer types and credentialing, which could result in compensation that moves steadily past the lower range as reputation and skills expand in the evolving job market.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new clinical laboratory science graduates. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richmond 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