Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Boulder, CO: $81,905 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Boulder, CO earns a median $81,905/year (≈ $39.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.2), that paycheck buys what $77,855 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary stands at a median of $81,905, positioning it significantly above the national median of $68,734. With a salary range stretching from $46,562 at the lower end (P10) to $116,224 at the higher end (P90), this compensation reflects both the demand for skilled professionals and the unique economic landscape of the region. These figures are derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, indicating a competitive market, especially important for individuals considering this profession in Boulder. The local job market actively employs about 380 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, showcasing the demand for this role within the community.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,562 | $22.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,856 | $26.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,905 | $39.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,897 | $50.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,224 | $55.88 |
Median Salary Position
19.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,662 (2026 est.). At $81,905, the local median is 19.16% above the national median of $68,734.
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At 40 hours/week in Boulder: You'd be above the median
How Boulder Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Boulder median: $81,905/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $76,476 | +7.10% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +19.16% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Boulder, CO earn a median of $81,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.16% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 7.10% above the Colorado state average of $76,476.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.202 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,905 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,855 — a 4.94% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,490
2025 BLS Actual
$79,489
2026 Current Est.
$81,905
2019–2027 Growth
+39.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,905 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,395 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 31.4% from $60,490 (2019) to $79,489 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,395 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,905 (39.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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) | $46,562 – $55,856 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,856 – $81,905 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,905 – $104,897 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,897 – $116,224 |
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 Boulder
Analyzing the local employment context reveals an interesting dynamic driven by the cost of living in Boulder, which has an index of 105.202. This indicates that while salaries for medical and clinical laboratory technologists are higher than the national average, living expenses can impact take-home purchasing power. Employers in Boulder vary, with large healthcare organizations often offering the most competitive packages, followed closely by specialty clinics. Several factors influence the broad salary range, including shift differentials for evening or weekend work, the requirement for specialty credentials, and the overall benefits structure offered by employers. To maximize earning potential in this market, technologists should focus on gaining additional certifications, seeking roles in larger facilities, and negotiating benefits that enhance overall compensation—strategies that could significantly improve how much medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Boulder, CO.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
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 $79,489 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Boulder 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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