Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Durham, NC: $66,325 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Durham, NC earns a median $66,325/year (≈ $31.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Durham's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $70,860 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Durham, NC is projected to reach a median of $66,325, slightly below the national median of $68,734. Salary estimates for this occupation in the area fluctuate significantly, with a range from $38,468 at the lower end (P10) to $102,803 at the high end (P90). These figures derive from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost of living differences. With 67 medical and clinical laboratory technologists currently employed in Durham, this local job market is relatively stable but may not be saturated. As these professionals access various employment opportunities, it reflects an ongoing demand for skilled individuals in this vital healthcare sector.
About the Durham Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,468 | $18.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,678 | $24.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,325 | $31.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,896 | $40.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,803 | $49.43 |
Median Salary Position
3.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durham
In Durham, NC, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,335 (2026 est.). At $66,325, the local median is 3.5% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durham Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Durham median: $66,325/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,393 | +3.00% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -3.50% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Durham, NC earn a median of $66,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.00% above the North Carolina state average of $64,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durham has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durham, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $66,325 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,860 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,320
2025 BLS Actual
$64,368
2026 Current Est.
$66,325
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,325 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,341 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durham metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $54,320 (2019) to $64,368 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,341 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,021 (25.81%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durham 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) | $38,468 – $50,678 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,678 – $66,325 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,325 – $84,896 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,896 – $102,803 |
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 Durham
Understanding the medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Durham, NC, involves considering both local job dynamics and the cost of living. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, professionals find that their earnings stretch further than in many other regions, enhancing their purchasing power despite salaries being lower than the national average. Employers in Durham, including large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, typically offer the most competitive wages, but shifts in pay often arise from factors like specialty credentials and shift differentials. For those looking to maximize their salary, pursuing specialized certifications and seeking positions in larger healthcare systems can be advantageous. Additionally, engaging in continuous education and developing expertise in high-demand laboratory technologies may lead to improved compensation within this local market.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Durham, NC in 2026?
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Durham?
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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 $64,368 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Durham 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 Durham 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