Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Pasadena, CA: $78,293 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Pasadena, CA earns a median $78,293/year (≈ $37.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $69,225 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, the projected median annual salary for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in 2026 is $78,293. This figure reflects an impressive increase compared to the national median of $68,734, positioning Pasadena's salary approximately 13.91% higher than the national average. The range of salaries in this field showcases significant variation; professionals can earn between $48,291 at the lower end (P10) and up to $121,354 at the highest end (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, which is particularly relevant in Pasadena given its cost of living index of 113.1. The local job market demonstrates robust opportunities for aspiring technicians, supported by a diverse healthcare infrastructure in the region.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,291 | $23.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,747 | $28.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,293 | $37.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,215 | $48.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,354 | $58.34 |
Median Salary Position
13.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,063 (2026 est.). At $78,293, the local median is 13.91% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $78,293/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,672 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +13.91% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Pasadena, CA earn a median of $78,293 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.91% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.80% above the California state average of $77,672.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,293 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,225 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,138
2025 BLS Actual
$75,983
2026 Current Est.
$78,293
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,138 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,418 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,789 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,282 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,387 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,971 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,293 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,673 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $64,138 (2019) to $75,983 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,673 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,535 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $48,291 – $58,747 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,747 – $78,293 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,293 – $100,215 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,215 – $121,354 |
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 Pasadena
Currently, there are 35 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Pasadena, suggesting a stable demand for skilled professionals in this sector. However, the local cost-of-living reality means that purchasing power can be a concern for new graduates and early-career employees. To maximize their earning potential, technologists should consider roles within larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which often offer more competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. Factors such as shift differentials and the acquisition of specialty credentials can significantly influence pay levels. Understanding these dynamics and strategically seeking employment in higher-paying environments can help professionals leverage their skills for greater compensation in Pasadena's healthcare market.
More salary data for Pasadena, 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 $75,983 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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