Healthcare Iowa (IA) Rank #40 of 50

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Iowa

The median medical laboratory technician salary in Iowa is $51,442 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,800.

Median Salary
$51,442
vs National
$-6,358
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for medical laboratory technician compensation. Medical Laboratory Technician salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,442 per year, medical laboratory technicians in Iowa earn $6,358 less than the national median of $57,800.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $51,442 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,800 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: medical laboratory technicians at the 10th percentile earn $33,820, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $75,650 — a $41,830 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $54,910.

Nationally, medical laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for medical laboratory technicians across the country.

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level medical laboratory technician earns around $35,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,980 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,980
$-9,020 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $33,820
25th Percentile $40,940
Median (50th) $51,442
75th Percentile $64,080
90th Percentile $75,650

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for medical laboratory technicians in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician in Iowa

Education

Most medical laboratory technician positions require a associate's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lab TechniquesHematologyMicrobiologyQuality ControlEquipment OperationData Entry

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, medical laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Iowa

How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make in Iowa? ▼
The median medical laboratory technician salary in Iowa is $51,442 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,800. Salaries range from $33,820 (10th percentile) to $75,650 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,442, a medical laboratory technician in Iowa earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for medical laboratory technicians? ▼
Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for medical laboratory technician pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level medical laboratory technicians earn $35,600, while senior professionals earn $72,980.
How does Iowa compare to other states for medical laboratory technician salary? ▼
The highest paying state for medical laboratory technicians is Hawaii at $102,884. Iowa's median of $51,442 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($52,020) and Wyoming ($52,020).
What is the entry-level medical laboratory technician salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level medical laboratory technician in Iowa earns approximately $35,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $72,980.
What city in Iowa pays medical laboratory technicians the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for medical laboratory technicians, with a median salary of $54,910. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.