Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Long Beach, CA: $73,893 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Long Beach, CA earns a median $73,893/year (≈ $35.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Long Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $65,334 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Long Beach, CA, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $73,893, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $68,734. With a salary range from $42,858 at the 10th percentile to $114,534 at the 90th percentile, this pay structure provides insight into the diverse earning potential within the occupation. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, adjusted for local cost-of-living realities. As such, while salaries in Long Beach are promising, they must also contend with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicating that the financial landscape could be challenging for some professionals in the area.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,858 | $20.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,710 | $27.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,893 | $35.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,584 | $45.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,534 | $55.06 |
Median Salary Position
7.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
In Long Beach, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,676 (2026 est.). At $73,893, the local median is 7.51% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Long Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Beach Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Long Beach median: $73,893/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,700 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +7.51% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Long Beach, CA earn a median of $73,893 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 4.90% below the California state average of $77,700.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,893 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,334 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,534
2025 BLS Actual
$71,713
2026 Current Est.
$73,893
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,534 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,742 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,388 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,263 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,149 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,713 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,893 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,139 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Beach metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $60,534 (2019) to $71,713 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,139 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,605 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long 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) | $42,858 – $56,710 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,710 – $73,893 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,893 – $94,584 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,584 – $114,534 |
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 Long Beach
Examining the local job market, there are currently 89 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Long Beach, creating a unique environment for job seekers and established practitioners alike. The elevated cost of living impacts how much take-home pay translates into real purchasing power. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer higher wages than private practices and community health centers, driven by the complexities and demands of their services. The disparity in pay often arises from factors like shift differentials, specialty certifications, and the overall benefits package an employer provides. Professionals aiming to maximize their salary in this market should consider pursuing additional certifications or seeking roles in larger healthcare settings harmonized with the area’s higher compensation potential.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Long Beach, CA in 2026?
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Long Beach?
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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 $71,713 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Long 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 Long 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