Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median medical laboratory technician salary in Los Angeles, CA is $89,012 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$89,012
vs State Avg
+$4,624
vs National
+$31,212
Cost of Living
146%

Medical Laboratory Technician Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median medical laboratory technician salary of $89,012, which is $4,624 above the California state average of $84,388. Compared to the national median of $57,800, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $89,012 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,967. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for medical laboratory technicians in Los Angeles spans from $58,520 at the 10th percentile to $130,900 at the 90th percentile — a $72,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,600, while senior medical laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $126,280. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level medical laboratory technician earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,600
+$21,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,320
+$31,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,280
+$44,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $58,520
25th Percentile $70,840
Median (50th) $89,012
75th Percentile $110,880
90th Percentile $130,900

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$109,820
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$101,728
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$86,700
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$72,828
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician in Los Angeles

Education

Most medical laboratory technician positions require a associate's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lab TechniquesHematologyMicrobiologyQuality ControlEquipment OperationData Entry

Job Outlook

Nationally, medical laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open medical laboratory technician positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median medical laboratory technician salary in Los Angeles, California is $89,012 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $57,800. Salaries range from $58,520 (10th percentile) to $130,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,012, a medical laboratory technician in Los Angeles earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for medical laboratory technician pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median medical laboratory technician salary of $89,012 is 5.5% above the California state average of $84,388. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a medical laboratory technician salary of $89,012 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a medical laboratory technician in Los Angeles? ▼
Most medical laboratory technician positions in Los Angeles require a associate's degree. Key skills include Lab Techniques, Hematology, Microbiology, Quality Control. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.