Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Downey, CA: $78,670 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Downey, CA earns a median $78,670/year (≈ $37.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $69,558 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $78,670 for the year 2026, reflecting a competitive position in the broader job market. With salaries ranging from $45,628 at the lower end to $121,939 at the top, these figures highlight both the entry-level opportunities and the potential for earning higher wages with experience and specialization. This local salary estimate, derived from 2025 BLS statistics and adjusted for regional cost considerations, demonstrates an upward trend compared to national figures; the average national salary for this role is estimated at $68,734, positioning Downey’s professionals 14.46% higher than their national counterparts. With only 22 individuals currently employed in this sector locally, the figures suggest a relatively selective job market for aspiring medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,628 | $21.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,479 | $28.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,670 | $37.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,698 | $48.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,939 | $58.62 |
Median Salary Position
14.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,311 (2026 est.). At $78,670, the local median is 14.46% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Downey median: $78,670/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,660 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +14.46% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Downey, CA earn a median of $78,670 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.46% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.30% above the California state average of $77,660.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,670 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,558 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,447
2025 BLS Actual
$76,349
2026 Current Est.
$78,670
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,447 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,733 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,125 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,616 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,741 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,349 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,670 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,062 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $64,447 (2019) to $76,349 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,062 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,615 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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) | $45,628 – $59,479 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,479 – $78,670 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,670 – $100,698 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,698 – $121,939 |
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 Downey
In terms of local employment dynamics, Downey's cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries may appear attractive, the higher pricing environment could impact overall purchasing power. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for job seekers; understanding that larger healthcare organizations and community health centers typically offer higher compensation compared to smaller private practices and specialty clinics can be advantageous. Factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the benefits package offered by different employers contribute to the noticeable pay variation within the market. To maximize earning potential in Downey, candidates should consider pursuing certifications that align with high-demand specialties and target applications toward larger healthcare entities that have more substantial budgets for labor costs and benefits, thus enhancing their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Downey, 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 $76,349 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Downey 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
Salary data for Downey 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