As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Medical Lab Technician I in the United States is $23, which translates to an annual salary of about $47,582.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
Medical Lab Technician I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $53,476 | $4,456 | $1,028 | $26 |
| Average | $47,582 | $3,965 | $915 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,577 | $3,548 | $819 | $20 |
A Medical Lab Technician 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 Medical Lab Technician 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Phlebotomist | 0-0 years | $41,314 |
| Hospital Lab Clerk | 0-1 years | $42,514 |
| Medical Lab Technician I | 1-3 years | $47,582 |
| Medical Lab Technician II | 3-5 years | $55,435 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.62% |
| Hematology | 3.33% |
| Quality Assurance | 1.92% |
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 Medical Lab Technician I's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration | $49,961 | |
| Coordination | $49,485 | |
| Chemistry | $49,009 |
Medical Lab Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,626. While startup companies pay approximate $45,409.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $45,409 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $48,014 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $51,796 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $53,626 |
Understanding how a Medical Lab Technician 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 | $53,476 | $4,456 | $1,028 | $26 |
| Average | $47,582 | $3,965 | $915 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,577 | $3,548 | $819 | $20 |
Salaries for a Medical Lab Technician I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $51,385 in 2023 to around $51,131 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Medical Lab Technician I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $51,385 |
| 2024 | $51,518 |
| 2025 | $51,131 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Performs a variety of routine and specialized diagnostic medical lab tests as requested by healthcare staff according to established protocols and procedures. Prepares specimens for microscopic examination or testing procedures. Operates automated laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Performs quality control and assurance procedures. Records lab results in specified system. Follows all required privacy, safety, and biohazard procedures and standards. Requires an associate degree in laboratory technology, science or equivalent. Requires valid certification or eligibility for certification exam as Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) from ASCP or AMT. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
Hematology: Hematology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to blood.
Quality Assurance: Verifying the adherence of product with required specifications and expectations to track and resolve deficiencies prior to product release.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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