Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Tacoma, WA: $83,955 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Tacoma, WA earns a median $83,955/year (≈ $40.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $78,170 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 27.1% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, Washington, the projected median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2026 stands at $83,955. This figure represents a notable increase compared to the national median of $68,734, giving local professionals a purchasing power advantage of approximately 22.14% over their national peers. The salary range for technologists in the area spans from $50,712 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $130,130 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflect the financial landscape of Tacoma, where the demand for qualified technologists remains strong in the healthcare sector.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,712 | $24.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,466 | $30.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,955 | $40.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,462 | $51.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,130 | $62.57 |
Median Salary Position
22.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,418 (2026 est.). At $83,955, the local median is 22.14% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $83,955/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $66,054 | +27.10% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +22.14% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $83,955 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.14% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 27.10% above the Washington state average of $66,054.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,955 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,170 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,777
2025 BLS Actual
$81,478
2026 Current Est.
$83,955
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,777 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,149 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,292 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,694 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,724 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,955 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,507 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $68,777 (2019) to $81,478 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,507 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,730 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $50,712 – $62,466 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,466 – $83,955 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,955 – $107,462 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,462 – $130,130 |
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 Tacoma
The job market in Tacoma features around 56 medical and clinical laboratory technologists, providing a stable foundation for employment in this field. Although the cost-of-living index is slightly above the national average at 107.4, local salaries help offset these expenses. Larger healthcare organizations tend to offer the highest compensation, while specialty clinics and community health centers also contribute to the wage spectrum. Factors influencing the broad salary range include organizational size, shift differentials, and the inclusion of specialty credentials in compensation packages. For those looking to increase their earnings in Tacoma, pursuing advanced certifications, seeking positions at well-funded healthcare systems, and advocating for shift differentials can be effective strategies to enhance one's overall pay profile.
More salary data for Tacoma, 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 $81,478 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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