Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Pleasant Grove, UT: $33,917 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Pleasant Grove, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,917 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pleasant Grove's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,574 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,683) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates stepping into the medical and clinical laboratory technologist field in Pleasant Grove, the starting compensation is quite important. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries beginning at around $33,917, which may initially seem lower than the median annual income of $51,683 for the city. However, with experience and further skill development, new entrants can expect upward movement as they progress to about $38,911 within their first few years, reflecting a growth trajectory that aligns with the healthcare labor demand. The estimated annual growth rate of 3.04% indicates that Pleasant Grove represents a favorable environment for newcomers, providing opportunities for skill advancement and potential financial growth while navigating the early stages of their career.
About the Pleasant Grove Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pleasant Grove
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 Pleasant Grove
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Pleasant Grove, UT typically start between $33,917 and $38,911 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,191 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,683 — 24.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Utah of $46,000 represents just 135.63% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($33,917/year) in Pleasant Grove. 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 Pleasant Grove
- 1Research the Pleasant Grove market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $33,917 to $38,911, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pleasant Grove, 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 Pleasant Grove for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pleasant Grove's moderate 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 Pleasant Grove is $46,191 ( 136.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,917, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,108.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,157
2025 BLS Actual
$32,916
2026 Current Est.
$33,917
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Pleasant Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,157 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,605 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,794 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,106 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,305 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,916 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,917 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,948 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pleasant Grove, UT grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,157 in 2019 to $32,916 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,948. New graduates entering the Pleasant Grove job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pleasant Grove 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 Pleasant Grove
In Pleasant Grove, large healthcare organizations and hospital systems frequently seek fresh talent in the medical and clinical laboratory technologist realm, making them prime employers for new graduates. These facilities often have structured onboarding processes tailored for novice professionals, ensuring they get the necessary training and support. Gaining state licensure is crucial, and pursuing advanced certifications can enhance earning potential, allowing new graduates to negotiate better entry-level pay. For early-career professionals, realistic salary advancements in the first three years hinge on aligning their qualifications with employer expectations. Compensation can fluctuate significantly depending on the type of institution, geographic conditions, and the graduate's mix of credentials, leading to promising opportunities in this market for those willing to build their expertise in the healthcare setting.
More salary data for Pleasant Grove, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Pleasant Grove in 2026?
How fast do medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries grow in Pleasant Grove?
Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in Pleasant Grove?
What do new medical and clinical laboratory technologists make right out of school in Pleasant Grove?
How do I become a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Utah?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Utah
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 Pleasant Grove. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pleasant Grove 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