Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $63,425 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Chattanooga, TN earns a median $63,425/year (≈ $30.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Chattanooga's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $69,344 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, Tennessee, the estimated median annual salary for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is set at $63,425 for 2026. This figure is below the national median of $68,734, reflecting a difference that highlights the regional employment landscape. The salary for these professionals in the area ranges from $40,980 at the 10th percentile to $88,907 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a diverse market where a variety of qualifications and experiences are valued. These statistics are derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, underscoring the importance of understanding local economic conditions when evaluating potential earnings. With such numbers in mind, individuals considering a career in this field should take into account the local demand for laboratory technologists and the types of healthcare organizations prevalent in Chattanooga.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,980 | $19.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,130 | $21.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,425 | $30.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,261 | $39.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,907 | $42.75 |
Median Salary Position
7.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, TN, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,927 (2026 est.). At $63,425, the local median is 7.72% below the national median of $68,734.
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At 40 hours/week in Chattanooga: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chattanooga Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Chattanooga median: $63,425/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chattanooga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $64,720 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -7.72% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $63,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.72% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.00% below the Tennessee state average of $64,720.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chattanooga has a cost of living 8.54% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chattanooga, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.464 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $63,425 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,344 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.33% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,170
2025 BLS Actual
$61,554
2026 Current Est.
$63,425
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,554 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,425 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,353 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.0% from $52,170 (2019) to $61,554 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,353 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,183 (25.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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) | $40,980 – $45,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,130 – $63,425 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,425 – $81,261 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,261 – $88,907 |
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 Chattanooga
A total of 660 medical and clinical laboratory technologists are currently employed in the Chattanooga area, indicating a steady demand for this profession. The cost of living index in Chattanooga is 91.464, suggesting that living expenses are lower than the national average. This reality positively impacts the purchasing power of technologists in the region, allowing for a better standard of living compared to other cities. Among local employers, larger healthcare organizations typically offer the highest salaries, followed by specialty clinics and community health centers. Variations in pay arise from factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and benefits structures, with those seeking to maximize their earnings advised to pursue additional certifications and to consider positions in larger, more established facilities. Understanding these dynamics can be crucial for anyone looking to increase their medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Chattanooga, TN.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
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 $61,554 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Chattanooga 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, 7-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