Healthcare Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Tennessee

The median medical laboratory technician salary in Tennessee is $52,598 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $57,800.

Median Salary
$52,598
vs National
$-5,202
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for medical laboratory technician compensation. Medical Laboratory Technician salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $52,598 per year, medical laboratory technicians in Tennessee earn $5,202 less than the national median of $57,800.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $52,598 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $59,099 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: medical laboratory technicians at the 10th percentile earn $34,580, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $77,350 — a $42,770 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $58,956.

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 Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level medical laboratory technician earns around $36,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,620 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,780
$-5,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,620
$-7,380 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $34,580
25th Percentile $41,860
Median (50th) $52,598
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $77,350

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for medical laboratory technicians in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Lab TechniquesHematologyMicrobiologyQuality ControlEquipment OperationData Entry

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make in Tennessee? ▼
The median medical laboratory technician salary in Tennessee is $52,598 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $57,800. Salaries range from $34,580 (10th percentile) to $77,350 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,598, a medical laboratory technician in Tennessee earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for medical laboratory technicians? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 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 $36,400, while senior professionals earn $74,620.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for medical laboratory technician salary? ▼
The highest paying state for medical laboratory technicians is Hawaii at $102,884. Tennessee's median of $52,598 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($52,598) and New Mexico ($52,598).
What is the entry-level medical laboratory technician salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level medical laboratory technician in Tennessee earns approximately $36,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,780. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $74,620.
What city in Tennessee pays medical laboratory technicians the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for medical laboratory technicians, with a median salary of $58,956. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.