Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Sterling Heights, MI: $69,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Sterling Heights, MI earns a median $69,348/year (≈ $33.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Sterling Heights's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $74,408 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling Heights, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect a median annual salary of $69,348 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $68,734. This figure reflects a broad salary range from $40,745 at the 10th percentile to $107,489 at the 90th percentile, highlighting substantial disparities within the profession. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate a favorable pay scenario for local technologists navigating the job market. With a projected growth rate of 3.04% over the next five years, the demand for skilled technologists in Sterling Heights is expected to remain steady, supporting healthy wage trends.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,745 | $19.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,499 | $24.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,348 | $33.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,766 | $42.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,489 | $51.67 |
Median Salary Position
0.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling Heights
In Sterling Heights, MI, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,744 (2026 est.). At $69,348, the local median is 0.89% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Heights Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Sterling Heights median: $69,348/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $67,922 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +0.89% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $69,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.89% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $67,922.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling Heights has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling Heights, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $69,348 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,408 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,810
2025 BLS Actual
$67,302
2026 Current Est.
$69,348
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,944 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,816 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,366 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,003 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,704 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,302 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,456 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling Heights metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $56,810 (2019) to $67,302 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,456 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,646 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling Heights 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) | $40,745 – $50,499 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,499 – $69,348 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,348 – $88,766 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,766 – $107,489 |
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 Sterling Heights
Currently, there are 29 medical and clinical laboratory technologists working in Sterling Heights, MI, contributing to a competitive job market. The cost-of-living index for the area stands at 93.2, which is below the national average, thereby enhancing the effective purchasing power of local salaries. Various employers, including large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, typically offer higher pay compared to smaller private practices. Factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the size of the employer can significantly influence salary variations. Professionals seeking to maximize their medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Sterling Heights should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking positions in larger health systems, or gaining experience in specialized areas that command higher wages.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
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 $67,302 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights 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