Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in University City, MO: $58,659 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in University City, MO earns a median $58,659/year (≈ $28.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in University City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $65,468 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With an estimated workforce of just six medical and clinical laboratory technologists in University City, Missouri, the local market appears relatively tight. The projected median annual salary for this occupation stands at $58,659, reflecting a pay range that starts at $36,713 and can go as high as $88,820. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional price parity, illustrating how local economic conditions impact earnings for healthcare professionals. Comparing this to the national median salary of $68,734, it is evident that the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in University City is approximately 14.66% lower, which suggests the need for local professionals to look at factors beyond just salary when assessing their career choices.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,713 | $17.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,197 | $21.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,659 | $28.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,910 | $36.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,820 | $42.70 |
Median Salary Position
14.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University City
In University City, MO, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,107 (2026 est.). At $58,659, the local median is 14.66% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University City Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
University City median: $58,659/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $59,491 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -14.66% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in University City, MO earn a median of $58,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.66% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $59,491.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University City has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $58,659 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,468 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,054
2025 BLS Actual
$56,928
2026 Current Est.
$58,659
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,054 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,013 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,287 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,983 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,534 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,928 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,659 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,442 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University City metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $48,054 (2019) to $56,928 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,442 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,388 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University City 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) | $36,713 – $44,197 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,197 – $58,659 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,659 – $74,910 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,910 – $88,820 |
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 University City
In a region where only a handful of medical and clinical laboratory technologists are employed, understanding the local job market dynamics is crucial. The cost of living index in University City is 89.6, indicating affordability is above the national average. This setup affects take-home purchasing power, making salaries more significant in terms of buying capacity. Private practices and larger healthcare organizations often offer the highest compensation, whereas community health centers might provide more stable employment but at lower salary levels. Variations in pay can result from factors such as shift differentials, specialty certifications, and organizational size. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in University City, pursuing additional credentials or specializing in high-demand areas could be advantageous, while also considering employment with larger institutions that typically reward experience and responsibilities with higher pay.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in University City, MO in 2026?
Is University City, MO a good place to work as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in University City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in University City?
How much does a medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per hour in University City?
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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 $56,928 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the University City 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 University City 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