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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified MLT I in Tennessee is $44,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Certified MLT I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Certified MLT I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $50,000 | $4,167 | $962 | $24 |
| Average | $44,500 | $3,708 | $856 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,800 | $3,317 | $765 | $19 |
Kettering Health - WILMINGTON, OH
Kettering Health - CENTERVILLE, OH
The YMCA - ARNOLD, MD
Jackson Therapy Partners - ALAMEDA, NM
A Certified MLT I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified MLT I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Phlebotomist | 0-0 years | $38,608 |
| Lab Support Clerk | 0-1 years | $39,729 |
| Certified MLT I | 1-3 years | $44,465 |
| Medical/Clinical Laboratory Technician II | 3-5 years | $51,804 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Certified MLT Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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 $50,152. While startup companies pay approximate $42,468.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,468 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,904 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,441 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,152 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $62,300 | $30.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $57,850 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Healthcare | $53,400 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $48,950 | $24.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $46,725 | $22.0 | 5% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $50,000 | $4,167 | $962 | $24 |
| Average | $44,500 | $3,708 | $856 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,800 | $3,317 | $765 | $19 |
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 $51,900 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified MLT I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Pieper Veterinary
BRISTOL, CT
Pieper Veterinary | BRISTOL, CT
Pieper Veterinary’s Stratford location seeks a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our collaborative, pet-focused team. Working within our general prac... more
1 Day Ago
Pieper Veterinary
DEEP RIVER, CT
Pieper Veterinary | DEEP RIVER, CT
Pieper Veterinary’s Stratford location seeks a Certified Veterinary Technician to support our small animal general practice and emergency services. In this... more
1 Day Ago
Pieper Veterinary
NORTH WESTCHESTER, CT
Pieper Veterinary | NORTH WESTCHESTER, CT
Pieper Veterinary – Stratford is seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our collaborative Veterinary Health team. In this role, you’ll provide s... more
1 Day Ago
Pieper Veterinary
COLCHESTER, CT
Pieper Veterinary | COLCHESTER, CT
Pieper Veterinary – Stratford is seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our collaborative, pet-focused team. In this role, you’ll provide high-q... more
1 Day Ago
Pieper Veterinary
WALLINGFORD, CT
Pieper Veterinary | WALLINGFORD, CT
Pieper Veterinary in Stratford, CT is seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our collaborative, pet-focused team. This role supports veterinaria... more
1 Day Ago
Pieper Veterinary
MIDDLETOWN, CT
Pieper Veterinary | MIDDLETOWN, CT
Pieper Veterinary is seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our Stratford veterinary health team. In this on-site role, you’ll provide compassio... more
1 Day Ago
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