Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Kirkland, WA: $65,823 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Kirkland, WA earns a median $65,823/year (≈ $31.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Kirkland's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $61,288 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Kirkland, Washington is projected to be $65,823, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the national median of $68,734. The local figures present a salary range from $38,942 at the lower tenth percentile to $102,026 at the ninetieth percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, indicate that while Kirkland's pay is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living index for the area is relatively high at 107.4, suggesting that purchasing power may not be as strong as in some other regions. This context highlights an evolving job market that is competitive, yet potentially constrained by the financial realities of living in Kirkland.
About the Kirkland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,942 | $18.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,081 | $23.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,823 | $31.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,254 | $40.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,026 | $49.05 |
Median Salary Position
4.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kirkland
In Kirkland, WA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,084 (2026 est.). At $65,823, the local median is 4.24% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kirkland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kirkland Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Kirkland median: $65,823/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kirkland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $66,021 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -4.24% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kirkland, WA earn a median of $65,823 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.24% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $66,021.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kirkland has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kirkland, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,823 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,288 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,923
2025 BLS Actual
$63,881
2026 Current Est.
$65,823
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,923 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,999 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,673 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,247 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,699 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,881 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,823 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,824 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kirkland metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $53,923 (2019) to $63,881 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,824 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,901 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkland 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) | $38,942 – $48,081 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,081 – $65,823 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,823 – $84,254 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,254 – $102,026 |
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 Kirkland
With 13 medical and clinical laboratory technologists employed locally, the job market appears stable, but competition for desirable positions remains. The cost of living in Kirkland significantly influences take-home pay, as professionals need to consider how salaries stack up against daily expenses. Large healthcare organizations typically pay the most, followed by specialty clinics and community health centers; however, private practices may offer more flexible work schedules and other benefits. The disparity in compensation can also be attributed to variations such as shift differentials and specialized credentials, which are increasingly important for career advancement. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Kirkland, obtaining additional certifications and seeking employment at larger healthcare providers may yield the best financial outcomes in the long run.
More salary data for Kirkland, WA:
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 $63,881 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Kirkland 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 Kirkland 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