📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$82,076
per year
Median
$78,611
per year
Hourly
$39.46
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$53,323
25th Percentile — Junior$67,191
50th Percentile — Median$78,611
75th Percentile — Senior$98,393
90th Percentile — Top Earners$109,659
💡 Top-earning Medical Laboratory Technicians in California make up to $109,659 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$69.1k
2021
$71.5k
2022
$74.0k
2023
$76.6k
2024
$79.3k
2025
$82.1k
2026
📈 Medical Laboratory Technician salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Medical Laboratory Technician Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $127,218 +55.0% High
San Diego $121,472 +48.0% High
San Jose $141,171 +72.0% High
San Francisco $151,841 +85.0% High
Fresno $88,642 +8.0% High
Sacramento $100,133 +22.0% High
Long Beach $119,010 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $88,642 +8.0% High
Anaheim $116,548 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $114,906 +40.0% High
Riverside $105,057 +28.0% High
Stockton $96,850 +18.0% High
Irvine $127,218 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $96,850 +18.0% High
Modesto $91,925 +12.0% High
Fontana $100,133 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $94,387 +15.0% High
Glendale $121,472 +48.0% High
Fremont $131,322 +60.0% High
🔍
Medical Laboratory Technician Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Medical Laboratory Technicians. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $82,076 per year, California's Medical Laboratory Technician salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $53,323–$67,191, while experienced Medical Laboratory Technicians can command $98,393–$109,659.

Looking ahead, the Medical Laboratory Technician profession in California is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Medical Laboratory Technician salary in California is $82,076 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $57,800.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Medical Laboratory Technicians the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Medical Laboratory Technician employment.
  • At $82,076/year, California Medical Laboratory Technician salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $57,800/year.