Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Santa Monica, CA: $78,528 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Santa Monica, CA earns a median $78,528/year (≈ $37.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Santa Monica's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $69,432 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Santa Monica is projected to be $78,528 annually, which represents a 14.25% increase over the national average of $68,734 for similar roles. The salary range for this profession locally varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning about $48,248 and the top 90% garnering up to $121,718. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic conditions, providing a solid overview of compensation trends. With only 20 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Santa Monica, the market may reflect a competitive environment, indicating that prospective workers can expect both opportunities and challenges in securing desirable positions in this field.
About the Santa Monica Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,248 | $23.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,703 | $28.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,528 | $37.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,516 | $48.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,718 | $58.52 |
Median Salary Position
14.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, CA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,470 (2026 est.). At $78,528, the local median is 14.25% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Monica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Monica Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Santa Monica median: $78,528/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Monica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $77,673 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +14.25% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $78,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.25% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.10% above the California state average of $77,673.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Monica has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Monica, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,528 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,432 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,331
2025 BLS Actual
$76,211
2026 Current Est.
$78,528
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,331 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,614 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,998 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,607 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,211 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,528 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,915 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Monica metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $64,331 (2019) to $76,211 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,915 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,584 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Monica 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) | $48,248 – $58,703 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,703 – $78,528 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,528 – $100,516 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,516 – $121,718 |
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 Santa Monica
Considering the local cost of living index for Santa Monica is 113.1, individuals in this profession may experience a nuanced dynamic when it comes to take-home pay and purchasing power. Employers who typically offer higher compensation include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics due to their ability to provide enhanced benefits and flexibility in scheduling, making them attractive alternatives to private practices. The wide variation in pay can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, additional certifications, and the size of the employer, which often directly correlates with available resources for staff compensation. For those seeking to maximize their medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Santa Monica, developing specialized skill sets, exploring shifts in high-demand areas, and targeting larger healthcare facilities could prove advantageous in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Santa Monica, 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 $76,211 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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