Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Cleveland, TN: $63,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Cleveland, TN earns a median $63,611/year (≈ $30.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.1), that paycheck buys what $72,220 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the earning potential for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cleveland, Tennessee, is projected at a median salary of $63,611. This figure is significantly below the national median of $68,734, reflecting a local market that provides less purchasing power when cost of living is taken into account. The salary range for this occupation varies widely, with the lowest 10% making around $41,101 and the upper 90% earning up to $63,611. These insights are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, underscoring how compensation in Cleveland aligns with regional economic factors and the demand for skilled lab professionals. The growth rate for this field stands at 3.04%, indicating a steady need for technologists in the area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,101 | $19.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,958 | $24.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,611 | $30.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,611 | $30.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,611 | $30.58 |
Median Salary Position
7.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, TN, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,510 (2026 est.). At $63,611, the local median is 7.45% below the national median of $68,734.
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How Cleveland Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $63,611/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $64,711 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -7.45% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Cleveland, TN earn a median of $63,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.45% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.70% below the Tennessee state average of $64,711.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 11.92% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, TN has a cost-of-living index of 88.08 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $63,611 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,220 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,330
2025 BLS Actual
$61,734
2026 Current Est.
$63,611
2019–2027 Growth
+71.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,734 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,544 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 61.1% from $38,330 (2019) to $61,734 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,544 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,214 (71.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $41,101 – $49,958 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,958 – $63,611 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,611 – $63,611 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,611 – $63,611 |
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 Cleveland
In Cleveland, approximately 80 medical and clinical laboratory technologists are employed, indicating a stable job market despite the competitive pay scenario. With a cost-of-living index of 88.08, professionals in this field may find that their salaries stretch further compared to cities with higher living costs. Employers that tend to offer higher salaries include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which often provide additional benefits that can enhance overall compensation. Factors contributing to the discrepancies in pay include shift differentials, specialized credentials, and the varying size of employers. To maximize earnings in Cleveland, professionals should consider pursuing certifications that enhance their skill set, seek positions in larger healthcare environments, and remain aware of opportunities for overtime or shifts that may attract premium pay.
More salary data for Cleveland, 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 $61,734 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Cleveland 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