Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Overland Park, KS: $39,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Overland Park, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,067 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Overland Park's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,978 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,310) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Overland Park, Kansas, individuals entering the field as medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect a starting salary of approximately $39,067 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the expected salary range for early-career professionals and is significantly below the local median salary of $67,310. However, over the first three to five years in the profession, it is realistic for new graduates to advance their earnings to the 25th percentile salary of $48,650 as they gain experience and skills. With a modest growth trajectory, the job market in Overland Park presents favorable opportunities for new graduates to build their careers and increase their compensation over time, making it a viable option for those entering the workforce in this field.
About the Overland Park Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Overland Park
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 Overland Park
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Overland Park, KS typically start between $39,067 and $48,650 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,263 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,310 — 2.07% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Kansas of $38,000 represents just 97.27% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($39,067/year) in Overland Park. 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 Overland Park
- 1Research the Overland Park market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $39,067 to $48,650, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Overland Park, 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 Overland Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Overland Park'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 Overland Park is $65,263 ( 167.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,067, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,330.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,129
2025 BLS Actual
$37,914
2026 Current Est.
$39,067
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Overland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,129 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,645 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,505 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,318 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,829 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,914 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,254 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Overland Park, KS grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,129 in 2019 to $37,914 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,254. New graduates entering the Overland Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park 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 Overland Park
In terms of employment prospects, major employers in Overland Park include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that actively recruit new graduates with structured onboarding programs. These organizations often provide a supportive environment that not only enhances skill development but may also offer competitive compensation. For those looking to boost their starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in KS, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications from recognized professional bodies can enhance one's qualifications and salary potential. During the first three years, early-career professionals can realistically anticipate incremental salary growth as they establish themselves in the field. Given the variations in pay based on employer type and geographic factors, new graduates are encouraged to research local opportunities thoroughly and consider gaining diverse experiences to maximize their starting and future earnings.
More salary data for Overland Park, KS:
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 Overland Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Overland Park 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