Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Lakewood, WA: $37,850 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Lakewood, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,850 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,242 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,258) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field as medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lakewood, WA, can expect a starting salary at the lower end of the spectrum, with figures around $37,850 projected for 2026. This amount sits considerably below the city median annual salary of $65,258, illustrating a significant gap for those embarking on their careers. However, there is an upward trajectory within the first few years, as entry-level positions can progress to around $50,907 by reaching the 25th percentile, potentially rising to the median salary as experience and competencies increase. Given a solid growth rate of 3.04%, Lakewood offers a reasonable market for new grads looking to build a career in laboratory technology, with opportunities to grow their earnings over time.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lakewood, WA typically start between $37,850 and $50,907 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,300 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,258 — 5.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Washington of $58,000 represents just 153.24% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($37,850/year) in Lakewood. 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 Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $37,850 to $50,907, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lakewood, 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 Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lakewood'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 Lakewood is $63,300 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,850, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,150.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,190
2025 BLS Actual
$36,733
2026 Current Est.
$37,850
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,586 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,249 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,713 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,162 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,850 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,000 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, WA grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,190 in 2019 to $36,733 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,000. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Large hospital systems and corporate group practices are among the primary employers in Lakewood that actively hire new graduates for this profession. Many of these employers provide structured onboarding programs that are beneficial for those just starting their careers. Holding state licensure is crucial, and obtaining additional certifications recognized by the national body can further enhance starting pay. New graduates should consider targeting employer types that offer competitive wages, as compensation can vary significantly based on the institution’s resources and the geographic market. Throughout the first three years, realistic salary growth may lead individuals to expect increments that gradually align their earnings closer to the median as they gain expertise and potentially assume more responsibilities within their roles.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
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 Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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