Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Columbia, TN: $63,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Columbia, TN earns a median $63,078/year (≈ $30.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $68,712 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, TN, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $63,078 for the year 2026. While this figure is slightly below the national median of $68,734, it falls within a broad salary range from $38,331 at the lower end (P10) to $97,771 at the upper end (P90). Local estimates based on 2025 BLS data suggest a modest presence of just 10 employed professionals in this field, indicating a focused yet limited job market. For those seeking opportunities or negotiating compensation, understanding local salary trends is essential for maximizing potential income while considering career prospects in Columbia.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,331 | $18.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,629 | $22.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,078 | $30.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,740 | $38.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,771 | $47.01 |
Median Salary Position
8.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,440 (2026 est.). At $63,078, the local median is 8.23% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $63,078/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $64,695 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -8.23% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Columbia, TN earn a median of $63,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.23% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $64,695.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $63,078 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,712 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,674
2025 BLS Actual
$61,217
2026 Current Est.
$63,078
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,674 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,705 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,227 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,818 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,126 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,467 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,217 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,996 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $51,674 (2019) to $61,217 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,996 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,322 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $38,331 – $46,629 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,629 – $63,078 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,078 – $80,740 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,740 – $97,771 |
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 Columbia
The local job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists reflects a blend of factors impacting compensation, particularly with only 10 positions filled in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 91.8, salaries generally stretch further in Columbia compared to many parts of the country, enhancing purchasing power for individuals within this profession. Larger healthcare organizations tend to offer the most competitive pay, followed closely by specialty clinics and community health centers. The variance in salary from the lower to higher end can be attributed to several factors, including shift differentials, specialized credentials, and the benefits packages offered by employers. To optimize earnings in Columbia, pursuing certifications and seeking positions in well-funded healthcare facilities are effective strategies for elevating overall pay levels.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Columbia, TN in 2026?
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Columbia?
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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 $61,217 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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