Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Council Bluffs, IA: $53,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Council Bluffs, IA earns a median $53,994/year (≈ $25.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Council Bluffs's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $59,728 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Council Bluffs, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect a median annual salary of $53,994 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $68,734, reflecting a disparity of approximately 21.44%. Salary ranges for this profession in the area start from $33,402 at the 10th percentile to $83,691 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide variation in earnings based on experience and employer. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data, incorporating regional cost adjustments that account for Council Bluffs' lower cost of living relative to the national average. The state of Iowa's average salaries for this occupation add context to the local job market, which is essential for understanding the compensation landscape for new and experienced technologists alike.
About the Council Bluffs Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,402 | $16.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,659 | $19.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,994 | $25.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,112 | $33.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,691 | $40.24 |
Median Salary Position
21.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Council Bluffs
In Council Bluffs, IA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,289 (2026 est.). At $53,994, the local median is 21.44% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Council Bluffs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Council Bluffs Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Council Bluffs median: $53,994/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Council Bluffs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $55,894 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -21.44% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $53,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.44% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $55,894.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Council Bluffs has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Council Bluffs, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $53,994 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,728 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,232
2025 BLS Actual
$52,401
2026 Current Est.
$53,994
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,232 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,115 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,129 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,611 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,619 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,401 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,635 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Council Bluffs metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $44,232 (2019) to $52,401 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,635 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,403 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Council Bluffs 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) | $33,402 – $40,659 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,659 – $53,994 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,994 – $69,112 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,112 – $83,691 |
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 Council Bluffs
Currently, there are only 12 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Council Bluffs, indicating a relatively small but essential workforce that contributes to local healthcare. The cost of living index is at 90.4, suggesting that residents might retain better purchasing power with local salaries compared to areas with higher living costs. Within the city, employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer more competitive salaries, enhancing an individual's earning potential. Factors influencing the pay scale include shift differentials and specialized certifications, which can lead to significant differences in compensation. To maximize earning potential in Council Bluffs, technologists should seek opportunities for certification advancement and consider employment in larger institutions that may provide better benefits and pay structures. Understanding how much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Council Bluffs can help guide career decisions effectively.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, IA:
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 $52,401 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs 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