Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Bethlehem, PA: $66,011 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Bethlehem, PA earns a median $66,011/year (≈ $31.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Bethlehem's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $67,773 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.9% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary in Bethlehem, PA, is projected at a median of $66,011, which falls below the national median of $68,734. The salary range varies widely, from $40,718 at the 10th percentile to $102,317 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse roles these technologists play within the healthcare system. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and indicate that while salaries in Bethlehem are competitive, they are not leading the national averages. With a cost of living index of 97.4, professionals in Bethlehem may find their earnings stretch further than in some larger metropolitan areas, partially mitigating the lower salary compared to national figures.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,718 | $19.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,618 | $23.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,011 | $31.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,494 | $40.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,317 | $49.19 |
Median Salary Position
3.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethlehem
In Bethlehem, PA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,599 (2026 est.). At $66,011, the local median is 3.96% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethlehem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethlehem Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Bethlehem median: $66,011/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethlehem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $56,955 | +15.90% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -3.96% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $66,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.96% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 15.90% above the Pennsylvania state average of $56,955.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethlehem has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethlehem, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $66,011 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,773 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,076
2025 BLS Actual
$64,063
2026 Current Est.
$66,011
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,076 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,155 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,841 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,413 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,874 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,063 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,011 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,017 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethlehem metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $54,076 (2019) to $64,063 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,017 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,941 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethlehem 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) | $40,718 – $49,618 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,618 – $66,011 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,011 – $84,494 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,494 – $102,317 |
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 Bethlehem
As of 2026, there are currently 14 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed in Bethlehem, reflecting a stable, if small, job market for this profession. The cost of living index suggests that while salaries are lower than the national average, the purchasing power might be better than in cities with higher costs. Employment opportunities are strongest with large healthcare organizations, which tend to offer the highest compensation, while community health centers and private practices may present lower pay scales. Factors influencing the disparity between low and high salaries in the area include shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the size and benefits structure of employers. To maximize pay in Bethlehem, technologists should seek additional certifications, work in larger healthcare systems, and be open to varying shifts that may offer premiums, thereby enhancing both their salary and career potential in a competitive market.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
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 $64,063 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem 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