Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Houston, TX: $67,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Houston, TX earns a median $67,008/year (≈ $32.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Houston's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.6), that paycheck buys what $67,939 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houston, Texas, the projected salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is set at $67,008 annually for 2026, which situates it slightly below the national median of $68,734. With an employment count of approximately 7,410 professionals in this field, the Houston market reflects a healthy job environment that suggests a stable demand for these essential roles. The salary range for this occupation in the city varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $43,045 and the top 10% making upwards of $107,584. This data, which is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected for 2026, indicates strong opportunities for those pursuing a career as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Houston TX, despite the local median being slightly lower than the national figure.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,045 | $20.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,302 | $24.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,008 | $32.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,106 | $40.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,584 | $51.72 |
Median Salary Position
2.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houston
In Houston, TX, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,539 (2026 est.). At $67,008, the local median is 2.51% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Houston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Houston Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Houston median: $67,008/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Houston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $63,454 | +5.60% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | -2.51% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Houston, TX earn a median of $67,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.51% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 5.60% above the Texas state average of $63,454.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Houston has a cost of living 1.37% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Houston, TX has a cost-of-living index of 98.629 (below the national average of 100). A medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $67,008 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,939 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.39% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,120
2025 BLS Actual
$65,031
2026 Current Est.
$67,008
2019–2027 Growth
+30.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,045 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Houston metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 22.4% from $53,120 (2019) to $65,031 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,045 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,925 (29.98%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houston 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) | $43,045 – $51,302 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,302 – $67,008 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,008 – $85,106 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,106 – $107,584 |
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 Houston
The job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Houston is further bolstered by a cost-of-living index of 98.629, suggesting that salaries are competitive when considering the regional affordability. With 7,410 professionals currently employed in this field, it's crucial to note which employers offer the best compensation packages, as large healthcare organizations typically pay more compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. The variation in medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Houston TX can also be attributed to factors such as specialty credentials, shift differentials, and the overall benefits structure offered by different employers. To maximize earning potential, individuals are advised to seek out positions in larger laboratories and specialized clinics, as well as to pursue additional certifications that could enhance their expertise and value in the job market.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
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 $65,031 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Houston 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