Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Salem, VA: $63,217 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Salem, VA earns a median $63,217/year (≈ $30.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,257 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $63,217 in 2026, the earnings for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Salem, Virginia, reflect a slight disparity compared to the national median of $68,734. The local salary range is quite broad, spanning from $37,815 at the 10th percentile to $95,940 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living variables, suggest that while the median pay is competitive, it still falls short of national averages. This pay structure indicates a need to assess local employment conditions and opportunities for growth, particularly given the projected 3.04% annual growth rate in this sector, which may affirm the potential for increased job openings and salary advancements for professionals in Salem.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,815 | $18.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,201 | $24.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,217 | $30.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,499 | $38.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,940 | $46.12 |
Median Salary Position
8.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,125 (2026 est.). At $63,217, the local median is 8.03% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Salem median: $63,217/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $65,172 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -8.03% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Salem, VA earn a median of $63,217 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.03% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $65,172.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,217 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,257 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,788
2025 BLS Actual
$61,352
2026 Current Est.
$63,217
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,788 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,821 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,351 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,941 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,256 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,042 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,352 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,217 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,139 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $51,788 (2019) to $61,352 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,139 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,351 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $37,815 – $50,201 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,201 – $63,217 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,217 – $79,499 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,499 – $95,940 |
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 Salem
Considering the local job market, only six medical and clinical laboratory technologists are currently employed in Salem, which indicates a niche but stable demand for this role. The cost-of-living index is reported at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which can influence take-home pay and overall purchasing power. Larger healthcare organizations and specialized clinics tend to offer more competitive compensation compared to private practices and community health centers. Factors contributing to the variation in salaries include shift differentials, specialty certifications, and the scale of the employer's operations. To maximize earnings in Salem, technologists should explore opportunities for additional certifications and consider positions in larger healthcare settings, which often come with enhanced benefits and higher pay scales.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
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 $61,352 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Salem 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 Salem 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