Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Clifton, NJ: $82,378 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Clifton, NJ earns a median $82,378/year (≈ $39.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Clifton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $71,509 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Clifton, NJ, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $82,378, which reflects a strong buying power considering the cost-of-living index of 115.2. This indicates that the compensation is about 19.85% higher than the national median of $68,734. Salaries in this field range from $53,397 at the 10th percentile to as high as $127,686 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a healthy disparity based on skill level, experience, and specific job roles. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions, emphasizing a competitive job market for skilled technologists in the area.
About the Clifton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,397 | $25.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,606 | $30.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,378 | $39.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,317 | $50.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,686 | $61.39 |
Median Salary Position
19.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clifton
In Clifton, NJ, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,289 (2026 est.). At $82,378, the local median is 19.85% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clifton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clifton Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Clifton median: $82,378/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clifton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $83,974 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | +19.85% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Clifton, NJ earn a median of $82,378 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.85% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $83,974.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clifton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clifton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,378 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,509 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,485
2025 BLS Actual
$79,948
2026 Current Est.
$82,378
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,485 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,832 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,431 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,897 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,217 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,948 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,378 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,883 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clifton metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $67,485 (2019) to $79,948 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,883 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,398 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clifton 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) | $53,397 – $63,606 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,606 – $82,378 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,378 – $104,317 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,317 – $127,686 |
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 Clifton
The local job market features 14 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, indicative of a tightly knit community of healthcare professionals. The cost of living in Clifton affects how much take-home pay translates into daily spending power, making it essential for workers to consider employer types. Large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the highest salaries, often including shift differentials and additional benefits that can further boost compensation. The variation in pay can also be attributed to specialty credentials and the overall benefits structure provided by employers. To maximize earnings, professionals should seek certifications and gain experience in high-demand areas, as well as explore opportunities within larger institutions that can provide steadier pay and career advancement paths.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Clifton, NJ in 2026?
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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 $79,948 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Clifton 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 Clifton 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