Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Waltham, MA: $84,474 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Waltham, MA earns a median $84,474/year (≈ $40.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Waltham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $77,856 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is approximately $84,474 in 2026, a figure that exceeds the national median salary of $68,734 by a significant 22.90%. With a salary range spanning from $53,610 at the lower end (P10) to $130,935 at the high end (P90), these figures highlight the rewarding opportunities available in the Waltham area. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living dynamics, which indicate a cost of living index of 108.5. This suggests that while compensation is competitive, the purchasing power of technologists in Waltham should also reflect the higher living costs, indicating a strong job market for those in the profession.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,610 | $25.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,364 | $30.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,474 | $40.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,127 | $51.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,935 | $62.95 |
Median Salary Position
22.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham
In Waltham, MA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,325 (2026 est.). At $84,474, the local median is 22.9% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waltham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waltham Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Waltham median: $84,474/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waltham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $86,818 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +22.90% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waltham, MA earn a median of $84,474 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.90% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $86,818.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waltham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waltham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,474 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,856 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,202
2025 BLS Actual
$81,982
2026 Current Est.
$84,474
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,202 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,583 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,299 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,752 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,181 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,799 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,982 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,474 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,042 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waltham metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $69,202 (2019) to $81,982 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,042 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,840 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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) | $53,610 – $64,364 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,364 – $84,474 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,474 – $108,127 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,127 – $130,935 |
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 Waltham
Currently, there are 11 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Waltham, and the role is well-positioned within the local healthcare sector. The cost-of-living reality means that professionals in this field need to consider how far their salaries will stretch, especially in light of the area’s higher living expenses. Among the top-paying employers in Waltham are large healthcare organizations, which often provide better compensation packages compared to private practices and smaller community health centers. The disparity in salaries within the profession can be influenced by factors such as shift differentials, advanced specialty credentials, and variations in employer size and benefits. To maximize earning potential, technologists in the region should seek out additional certifications, pursue opportunities in larger medical facilities, and consider negotiating salary packages that account for their skills and the local cost of living.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
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 $81,982 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Waltham 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 Waltham 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