Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median medical laboratory technician salary in Chicago, IL is $63,002 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$63,002
vs State Avg
+$6,936
vs National
+$5,202
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median medical laboratory technician salary of $63,002, which is $6,936 above the Illinois state average of $56,066. Compared to the national median of $57,800, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for medical laboratory technicians in Chicago spans from $41,420 at the 10th percentile to $92,650 at the 90th percentile — a $51,230 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,600, while senior medical laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,380. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level medical laboratory technician earns around $43,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,380 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,600
+$3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,220
+$5,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,380
+$7,380 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $41,420
25th Percentile $50,140
Median (50th) $63,002
75th Percentile $78,480
90th Percentile $92,650

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician in Chicago

Education

Most medical laboratory technician positions require a associate's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs in Chicago

Browse open medical laboratory technician positions in Chicago, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Chicago

How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median medical laboratory technician salary in Chicago, Illinois is $63,002 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $57,800. Salaries range from $41,420 (10th percentile) to $92,650 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,002, a medical laboratory technician in Chicago earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for medical laboratory technician pay? ▼
Chicago's median medical laboratory technician salary of $63,002 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $56,066. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a medical laboratory technician salary of $63,002 in Chicago 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 Chicago? ▼
Most medical laboratory technician positions in Chicago 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.