Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Des Moines, IA: $53,176 (2026)

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

Des Moines offers a median medical laboratory technician salary of $53,176, which is $1,734 above the Iowa state average of $51,442. Compared to the national median of $57,800, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% 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 Des Moines spans from $34,960 at the 10th percentile to $78,200 at the 90th percentile — a $43,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior medical laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,440. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level medical laboratory technician earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,800

$-3,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$53,360

$-4,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$75,440

$-6,560 vs national

Percentile	Des Moines	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$34,960	$33,820	$38,000
25th Percentile	$42,320	$40,940	$46,000
Median (50th)	$53,176	$51,442	$57,800
75th Percentile	$66,240	$64,080	$72,000
90th Percentile	$78,200	$75,650	$85,000

Percentile

Des Moines

10th Percentile

$34,960

25th Percentile

$42,320

Median (50th)

$53,176

75th Percentile

$66,240

90th Percentile

$78,200

How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician in Des Moines

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make in Des Moines, IA? ▼

The median medical laboratory technician salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $53,176 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $57,800. Salaries range from $34,960 (10th percentile) to $78,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make per hour in Des Moines? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,176, a medical laboratory technician in Des Moines earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for medical laboratory technician pay? ▼

Des Moines's median medical laboratory technician salary of $53,176 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $51,442. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼

Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a medical laboratory technician salary of $53,176 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a medical laboratory technician in Des Moines? ▼

Most medical laboratory technician positions in Des Moines 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.

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Des Moines, Iowa