Medical Lab Technician Salary in California
Medical Lab Technicians in California earn an average of $69,976 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$69,976
per year
Hourly Rate
$33.64
per hour
vs National
+15.1%
$60,780 national
Salary Range
$44,973
to $101,970
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$69,976
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$49,279
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Medical Lab Technician's salary of $69,976 has the purchasing power of $49,279 in an average-cost area.
Medical Lab Technician Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $81,827 | $39.34/hr | $53,194 | $123,143 | 330 |
| San Francisco, CA | $80,086 | $38.50/hr | $50,100 | $112,556 | 509 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $68,713 | $33.04/hr | $43,295 | $98,608 | 483 |
| San Diego, CA | $66,420 | $31.93/hr | $43,271 | $99,340 | 321 |
| Sacramento, CA | $62,836 | $30.21/hr | $41,718 | $94,567 | 295 |
| Riverside, CA | $59,975 | $28.83/hr | $38,262 | $83,607 | 359 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Medical Lab Technician Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,297 Medical Lab Technicians employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Medical Lab Technician Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$44,973
Starting salary for new Medical Lab Technicians
Median (50th Percentile)
$69,976
Mid-career Medical Lab Technician salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$101,970
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$77,740 vs Medical Lab Technician
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
+$39,613 vs Medical Lab Technician
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
+$35,592 vs Medical Lab Technician
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
+$645 vs Medical Lab Technician
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$25,826 vs Medical Lab Technician
Medical Lab Technician Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Medical Lab Technician salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Medical Lab Technician Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Medical Lab Technician salary in California?
The average Medical Lab Technician salary in California is $69,976 per year ($33.64/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.1% above the national average of $60,780.
What is the highest paying city for Medical Lab Technicians in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Medical Lab Technicians in California, with a median salary of $81,827 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $59,975.
What is the salary range for Medical Lab Technicians in California?
Medical Lab Technician salaries in California range from $44,973 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $101,970 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $69,976 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.