Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Fullerton, CA: $79,813 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Fullerton, CA earns a median $79,813/year (≈ $38.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Fullerton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $70,569 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Fullerton, California stands at $79,813, which significantly exceeds the national median of $68,734 by approximately 16.12%. This figure is accompanied by a salary range from $47,355 at the 10th percentile to $123,710 at the 90th percentile, highlighting substantial variability in compensation. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, regional price adjustments, and the cost of living in Fullerton, which can influence earnings. The robust salary reflects the local demand for skilled professionals, as it slightly outpaces the statewide average pay for similar roles.
About the Fullerton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,355 | $22.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,711 | $28.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,813 | $38.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,160 | $49.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,710 | $59.47 |
Median Salary Position
16.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fullerton
In Fullerton, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,355 (2026 est.). At $79,813, the local median is 16.12% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fullerton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fullerton Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Fullerton median: $79,813/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fullerton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,714 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +16.12% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Fullerton, CA earn a median of $79,813 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.12% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.70% above the California state average of $77,714.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fullerton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fullerton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,813 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,569 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,383
2025 BLS Actual
$77,458
2026 Current Est.
$79,813
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,383 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,688 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,627 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,182 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,458 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,813 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,239 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fullerton metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $65,383 (2019) to $77,458 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,239 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,856 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fullerton 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) | $47,355 – $58,711 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,711 – $79,813 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,813 – $102,160 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,160 – $123,710 |
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 Fullerton
The job market in Fullerton features 25 employed medical and clinical laboratory technologists, indicating a niche but stable sector for those entering the field. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the local economy is above the national average, meaning that take-home salaries may not stretch as far compared to less expensive areas. To capitalize on earning potential, professionals should consider working for larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that tend to offer higher wages. Variations in pay often stem from factors such as shift differentials, specialized credentials, and the overall benefits package provided by employers. For those in Fullerton aiming to maximize their compensation, pursuing advanced certifications and gaining experience in high-demand specialties can be effective strategies to enhance their earnings and career prospects.
More salary data for Fullerton, 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 $77,458 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Fullerton 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 Fullerton 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