Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Huntington Beach, CA: $77,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Huntington Beach, CA earns a median $77,967/year (≈ $37.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Huntington Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $68,936 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Huntington Beach, California, can expect a median annual salary of $77,967, which is considerably higher than the national median of $68,734. This local average suggests a market that rewards professionals in this field well compared to national standards, reflecting the unique economic conditions in the area. The salaries range from $49,733 at the 10th percentile to $120,849 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential based on experience, specialization, and employer type. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjustments for regional price parities, underscoring the influence of local economic factors on compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
About the Huntington Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,733 | $23.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,806 | $28.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,967 | $37.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,798 | $47.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,849 | $58.10 |
Median Salary Position
13.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huntington Beach
In Huntington Beach, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,116 (2026 est.). At $77,967, the local median is 13.43% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Huntington Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Huntington Beach Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Huntington Beach median: $77,967/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Huntington Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,657 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +13.43% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $77,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.43% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.40% above the California state average of $77,657.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Huntington Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Huntington Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,967 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,936 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,871
2025 BLS Actual
$75,667
2026 Current Est.
$77,967
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,871 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,146 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,499 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,994 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,495 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,667 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,337 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Huntington Beach metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $63,871 (2019) to $75,667 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,337 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,466 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntington Beach 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) | $49,733 – $59,806 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,806 – $77,967 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,967 – $99,798 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,798 – $120,849 |
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 Huntington Beach
With around 50 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Huntington Beach, the local job market offers a competitive environment given the cost of living index of 113.1, which indicates higher living expenses than the national average. This reality affects take-home pay, emphasizing the importance for professionals to consider employer types when searching for positions. Large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics generally offer higher salaries than private practices and community health centers. Factors such as shift differentials, specialization certifications, and comprehensive benefits structures also contribute to the pay scale. To maximize compensation in Huntington Beach CA, technologists should seek opportunities in facilities that prioritize experience and advanced training, while negotiating for better shift schedules or additional benefits that align with their career goals.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, 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 $75,667 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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