Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Ashland, KY: $67,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Ashland, KY earns a median $67,262/year (≈ $32.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $75,321 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, Kentucky, those working as medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect a median annual salary of $67,262 by 2026. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $42,728, while the top 90% can make as much as $100,661. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and projected for 2026, reflecting adjustments for regional market conditions. Despite being slightly below the national median salary of $68,734 for this occupation, the local employment situation indicates a relatively stable demand, with only four such professionals currently employed in the area.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,728 | $20.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,122 | $24.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,262 | $32.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,195 | $40.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,661 | $48.40 |
Median Salary Position
2.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, KY, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,933 (2026 est.). At $67,262, the local median is 2.14% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Ashland median: $67,262/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $65,240 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -2.14% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Ashland, KY earn a median of $67,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.14% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.10% above the Kentucky state average of $65,240.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $67,262 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,321 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,102
2025 BLS Actual
$65,278
2026 Current Est.
$67,262
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,102 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,202 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,957 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,521 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,048 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,671 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,278 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,307 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $55,102 (2019) to $65,278 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,307 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,205 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $42,728 – $51,122 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,122 – $67,262 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,262 – $84,195 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,195 – $100,661 |
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 Ashland
With a cost of living index of 89.3, Ashland presents a favorable financial environment for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, enhancing overall purchasing power. Employers in this market are primarily large healthcare organizations and established clinics, with compensation fluctuating based on factors such as specialty credentials, employer size, and shift differentials. The marked disparity in pay—from entry-level positions to those at the higher end—often results from additional responsibilities and advanced skills required in specialized roles. To improve earnings potential in Ashland, professionals should consider expanding their certifications and skill sets, as well as seeking opportunities within larger healthcare systems that may offer more comprehensive benefits packages and higher salaries.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
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 $65,278 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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