Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $84,700 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $84,700/year (≈ $40.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $73,524 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Elizabeth, NJ, are projected to earn a median salary of $84,700, significantly surpassing the national median of $68,734 by approximately 23.23%. The salary range for these professionals in the area spans from $54,516 at the 10th percentile to $131,285 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the local market dynamics and are adjusted for the cost of living in Elizabeth, which sits at an index of 115.2. The robust compensation suggests a solid demand for skilled technologists in this portion of New Jersey, marking Elizabeth as a competitive location for these healthcare specialists.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,516 | $26.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,534 | $31.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,700 | $40.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,416 | $52.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,285 | $63.12 |
Median Salary Position
23.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,769 (2026 est.). At $84,700, the local median is 23.23% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $84,700/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $83,944 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +23.23% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $84,700 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.23% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $83,944.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,700 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,524 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,387
2025 BLS Actual
$82,201
2026 Current Est.
$84,700
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,387 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,771 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,951 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,393 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,003 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,201 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,700 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,275 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $69,387 (2019) to $82,201 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,275 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,888 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $54,516 – $65,534 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,534 – $84,700 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,700 – $108,416 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,416 – $131,285 |
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 Elizabeth
The local job market currently employs around 25 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, indicating a focused yet significant demand in Elizabeth. Given the cost of living index, which is above the national average, it's crucial for professionals to consider how their compensation translates into purchasing power. Among the various employers in the area, large healthcare organizations typically offer the highest salaries, followed by specialty clinics and community health centers. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, additional specialty credentials, and the benefits provided by larger employers. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing certifications that enhance clinical skills or seeking positions in larger institutions could prove beneficial in gaining a competitive edge in Elizabeth's nuanced job market.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Elizabeth?
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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 $82,201 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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