Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Helena, MT: $81,742 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Helena, MT earns a median $81,742/year (≈ $39.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Helena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.7), that paycheck buys what $85,437 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.8% above the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Helena, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Helena is projected to reach a median annual figure of $81,742 in 2026, representing a significant 18.93% increase over the national median of $68,734. The full salary range indicates substantial earning potential, with salaries anticipated to vary from $43,558 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $111,778 (P90). This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlights the competitive compensation landscape for this profession in Helena, MT. With a modest cost of living index of 95.675, professionals can expect to enjoy a stronger purchasing power in the area, making it an attractive market for both new and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,558 | $20.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,260 | $31.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,742 | $39.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,984 | $41.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,778 | $53.74 |
Median Salary Position
18.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Helena
In Helena, MT, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,220 (2026 est.). At $81,742, the local median is 18.93% above the national median of $68,734.
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At 40 hours/week in Helena: You'd be above the median
How Helena Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Helena median: $81,742/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Helena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $69,390 | +17.80% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +18.93% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Helena, MT earn a median of $81,742 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.93% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 17.80% above the Montana state average of $69,390.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Helena has a cost of living 4.33% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Helena, MT has a cost-of-living index of 95.675 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $81,742 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,437 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,963
2025 BLS Actual
$79,330
2026 Current Est.
$81,742
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,963 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,334 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,742 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,227 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Helena metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $66,963 (2019) to $79,330 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,227 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,264 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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) | $43,558 – $65,260 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,260 – $81,742 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,742 – $86,984 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,984 – $111,778 |
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 Helena
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Helena remains stable, with around 80 professionals currently employed in the field. This number reflects a growing need in the healthcare sector as demand for laboratory services increases. The local cost of living adds an interesting layer; with an index below the national average, the take-home pay holds greater value, allowing for better financial stability. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the highest earnings. Factors such as shift differentials, additional specialty credentials, and varying employer benefit structures create a wide pay gap, making salary negotiations and continued education crucial for maximizing earnings. For technologists seeking higher compensation, pursuing certifications in specialized areas or seeking positions in larger facilities can significantly enhance their medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Helena, MT.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
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 $79,330 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Helena 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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