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How much does a Certified MLT I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified MLT I in the United States is $47,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

However, a Certified MLT I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $58,872
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42,600 to $53,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,048

Key Factors That Influence Certified MLT I Salaries

A Certified MLT I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Certified MLT Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $60,100
  • San Francisco: $59,400
  • Oakland: $58,200

What Skills Can Increase a Certified MLT I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 3.62% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Hematology (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): Hematology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to blood.
  • Quality Assurance (Mentioned in 1.92% Job Postings): Verifying the adherence of product with required specifications and expectations to track and resolve deficiencies prior to product release.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 3.62%
Hematology 3.33%
Quality Assurance 1.92%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Certified MLT I's salary.

  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Chemistry: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Collaboration $49,980
5%
Coordination $49,504
4%
Chemistry $49,028
3%

Certified MLT I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Certified MLT I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,567. While startup companies pay approximate $45,352.

Certified MLT I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $45,352
Growth Stage 51~500 $47,954
Established 501~5000 $51,735
Enterprise 5000+ $53,567

Certified MLT I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Certified MLT I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Certified MLT positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Certified MLT I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Certified MLT I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$66,640$32.040%
Pharmaceuticals$61,880$30.030%
Healthcare$57,120$27.020%
Internet$52,360$25.010%
Chemicals$49,980$24.05%

Certified MLT I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Certified MLT I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$42,600
Average $47,600/year
$53,500
$3,550
Average $3,967/month
$4,458
$819
Average $915/week
$1,029
$20
Average $23/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,500 $4,458 $1,029 $26
Average $47,600 $3,967 $915 $23
25th Percentile $42,600 $3,550 $819 $20

Certified MLT I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Certified MLT I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Medical/Clinical Laboratory Technician II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $55,500 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Certified MLT I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Certified MLT I

Here are companies hiring for Certified MLT I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Certified MLT I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Certified MLT I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Certified MLT I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. Which MLT course is best?

When considering the best MLT courses in 2024, options include Hematology Technician, Blood Bank Technician, Histo Technician, Cytotechnician, Clinical Chemistry Technician, Molecular Biology Technician, and Phlebotomist. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from $45,100 to $56,700, with a median salary of $50,500, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in the field.

3. How much does a MLT technician earn in USA?

A Certified MLT technician in the USA earns between $45,100 and $56,700 annually, with a median salary of $50,500. Entry-level positions typically start at $45,100, while experienced professionals can earn up to $56,700 per year.

4. Can you make a lot of money working in a lab?

Yes, working in a lab can be financially rewarding. Certified Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) have a salary range with a minimum of $45,100, a mid-level salary of $50,500, and a maximum of $56,700. This reflects the potential for a stable income in the field, depending on experience and location.

5. What is the highest salary in MLT?

The highest salary for a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is ₹56,700 per year. This reflects the upper range of earnings in the field, with a minimum salary of ₹45,100 and a mid-range salary of ₹50,500.

6. What is the highest pay for MLT?

The highest pay for a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is approximately $56,700 annually. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $45,100, with a mid-level salary around $50,500. This reflects the current compensation landscape for MLTs in the field.

7. Who gets paid more, MLS or MLT?

An MLS typically earns a higher salary compared to an MLT. For instance, Certified MLTs have a salary range with a minimum of $45,100, a mid-point of $50,500, and a maximum of $56,700. Pursuing an MLS can lead to better pay and advancement opportunities, making it a wise choice for those looking to enhance their career in medical laboratory science.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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