Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Irvine, CA: $80,709 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Irvine, CA earns a median $80,709/year (≈ $38.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Irvine's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $71,361 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Irvine, California, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $80,709. This figure is approximately 17.42% higher than the national median of $68,734, which highlights the strong local demand for skilled professionals in this field. Salaries for these positions will range from $49,254 at the lower end to $125,099 for the most experienced technologists. These estimates, derived from statewide BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences, illustrate that while compensation is generally favorable, the cost of living in Irvine, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, can influence take-home pay and purchasing power. The growing job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the area is indicative of the healthcare sector's expansion.
About the Irvine Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,254 | $23.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,618 | $29.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,709 | $38.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,308 | $49.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,099 | $60.14 |
Median Salary Position
17.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvine
In Irvine, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,845 (2026 est.). At $80,709, the local median is 17.42% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvine Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Irvine median: $80,709/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,680 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +17.42% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Irvine, CA earn a median of $80,709 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.42% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.90% above the California state average of $77,680.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvine has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvine, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,709 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,361 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,118
2025 BLS Actual
$78,328
2026 Current Est.
$80,709
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,118 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,437 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,943 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,652 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,487 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,328 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,709 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,163 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvine metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $66,118 (2019) to $78,328 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,163 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,045 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvine 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) | $49,254 – $60,618 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,618 – $80,709 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,709 – $103,308 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,308 – $125,099 |
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 Irvine
Irvine hosts around 72 professionals working as medical and clinical laboratory technologists, reflecting a healthy local job market for this occupation. Although the median salary appears attractive, it’s essential to consider the city's elevated cost of living, which can affect actual purchasing power. Employers in Irvine such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics often offer the most competitive salaries, while shifts in pay can stem from factors like shift differentials, the need for specific credentials, and the comprehensive benefits packages that larger organizations can provide. To maximize earnings in the Irvine market, professionals should seek opportunities to obtain specialized certifications, be open to working non-standard hours, and target employment at facilities that are known for high compensation and employee investment. Understanding these nuances can help technologists in Irvine improve their overall compensation trajectory effectively.
More salary data for Irvine, 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 $78,328 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Irvine 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 Irvine 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