Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $28.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Opelika, AL runs $28.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,021 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,415 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $28.38 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.05 per hour. This hourly rate can yield varying income levels for professionals who may work part-time, such as those employed three days a week. With a flexible schedule, part-time workers can expect earnings that provide a stable income, particularly in clinical settings. For entry-level positions, starting at around $19.13 per hour, to skilled practitioners who can earn as much as $43.98, the range of pay reflects the diverse experience levels and capabilities within the field. Hourly rates derived from projected annual salaries illustrate a structured pay scale suitable for both full-time and per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the area.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.13 | $153.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.39 | $179.12 |
| Median (P50) | $28.38 | $227.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.32 | $290.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.98 | $351.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $28.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.38/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $59,025 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,053. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,135.09 | $4,919 | $59,025 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $681.05 | $2,951 | $35,415 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.04 | $1,967 | $23,610 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Opelika) | $28.38 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Cytotechnologist (National Avg) | $40.35 |
| Histotechnologist (National Avg) | $30.58 |
| Microbiologist (National Avg) | $41.56 |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Opelika, AL earn a median of $59,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.13% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 11.50% above the Alabama state average of $52,934.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.38/hr = $35,415/year (purchasing power: $40,290).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,025/year (purchasing power: $67,150).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Opelika grew 18.5% from $23.25/hr (2019) to $27.54/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.24/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.04% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist in Opelika
Considering part-time work, those employed for 24 hours a week might take home a yearly salary significantly less than full-time counterparts. For instance, while full-time technologists may find broader financial benefits, part-time roles provide necessary flexibility but often at a cost. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Opelika can be appealing since these rates typically exceed standard staff pay, offering a premium of 10-25% for agency workers. Different employer types in Opelika, from private practices to community health centers, result in varying pay structures. Some professionals may choose positions with lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance benefits. In negotiations, it's crucial to balance the appeal of higher pay rates with the overall compensation package, which can include important benefits that enhance job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Opelika in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Opelika?
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Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Opelika. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Opelika is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.04%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical and clinical laboratory technologists (SOC 29-2010).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov