Healthcare Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median medical laboratory technician salary in Tacoma, WA is $65,892 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 4.2% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$65,892
vs State Avg
$-2,890
vs National
+$8,092
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median medical laboratory technician salary of $65,892, which is $2,890 below the Washington state average of $68,782. Compared to the national median of $57,800, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $43,320 at the 10th percentile to $96,900 at the 90th percentile — a $53,580 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,600, while senior medical laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,480. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level medical laboratory technician earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,600
+$5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,120
+$8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,480
+$11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $43,320
25th Percentile $52,440
Median (50th) $65,892
75th Percentile $82,080
90th Percentile $96,900

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open medical laboratory technician positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median medical laboratory technician salary in Tacoma, Washington is $65,892 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $57,800. Salaries range from $43,320 (10th percentile) to $96,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,892, a medical laboratory technician in Tacoma earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for medical laboratory technician pay? ▼
Tacoma's median medical laboratory technician salary of $65,892 is 4.2% below the Washington state average of $68,782. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a medical laboratory technician salary of $65,892 in Tacoma 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 Tacoma? ▼
Most medical laboratory technician positions in Tacoma 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.