Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Chico, CA: $65,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Chico, CA earns a median $65,009/year (≈ $31.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $64,240 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.3% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, California, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 is $65,009, which represents a noticeable gap compared to the California average. The salary range for professionals in this field varies from $52,154 at the 10th percentile to $92,413 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation landscape. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and reflect the specific market dynamics in Chico. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, these technologists are positioned to see growth in employment opportunities in this area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,154 | $25.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,322 | $25.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,009 | $31.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,277 | $39.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,413 | $44.43 |
Median Salary Position
5.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,259 (2026 est.). At $65,009, the local median is 5.42% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chico Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Chico median: $65,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,669 | -16.30% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -5.42% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Chico, CA earn a median of $65,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.42% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 16.30% below the California state average of $77,669.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,009 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,240 — a 1.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,940
2025 BLS Actual
$63,091
2026 Current Est.
$65,009
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,985 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 23.9% from $50,940 (2019) to $63,091 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,985 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,045 (31.50%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $52,154 – $53,322 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,322 – $65,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,009 – $82,277 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,277 – $92,413 |
MLS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Job Market in Chico
Currently, there are 170 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Chico, which contributes to a competitive job market. With a cost-of-living index of 101.197, prospective employees must consider how living expenses can affect their effective purchasing power. Large healthcare organizations typically offer the highest salaries compared to private practices, community health centers, and specialty clinics. Factors that influence salary variations include shift differentials, specialty certification, the size of the employer, and additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. For those seeking to maximize their compensation in the Chico market, acquiring specialty credentials and seeking employment at larger healthcare providers could be key strategies for enhancing overall pay.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $63,091 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Chico metropolitan area. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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