Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Paragould, AR: $25.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Paragould, AR runs $25.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Paragould's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,377 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paragould, AR, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $25.14 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $33.05. This difference suggests that local professionals may find it challenging to match their counterparts in other regions, particularly those in areas with a higher cost of living. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this equates to a substantial income when combined with other sources or benefits, though it may not fully meet the needs of all financial situations. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $15.37, while more experienced professionals can make as much as $38.97, reflecting a wide range of opportunities within the field, especially in clinical settings that value both experience and skill.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.37 | $122.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.63 | $157.03 |
| Median (P50) | $25.14 | $201.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.18 | $257.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.97 | $311.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paragould
Based on $25.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.14/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paragould, AR can expect to earn approximately $52,295 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,170. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Paragould.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paragould
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,005.67 | $4,358 | $52,295 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $603.40 | $2,615 | $31,377 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $402.27 | $1,743 | $20,918 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Paragould) | $25.14 |
| 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 Paragould, AR earn a median of $52,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.92% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $53,523.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.14/hr = $31,377/year (purchasing power: $36,107).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,295/year (purchasing power: $60,178).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Paragould grew 18.5% from $20.60/hr (2019) to $24.40/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.91/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 Paragould 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 Paragould
Considering a part-time role, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours per week in Paragould would earn around $31,000 annually, a figure that reflects their non-full-time status. However, for those looking for flexibility, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Paragould can often exceed the standard hourly rate, typically running 10-25% higher than that of regular staff positions. Variation in hourly compensation may also occur depending on the employer type; large healthcare organizations may offer more consistent pay and benefits compared to smaller private practices or specialty clinics. Some technologists opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for job stability and benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize the higher hourly earnings available through agency roles. When negotiating salary, it's beneficial to research local pay scales and emphasize certification and skill level to secure a practical and fair hourly rate in this evolving field.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Paragould in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Paragould?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Paragould paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Paragould?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Paragould?
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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 Paragould. 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 Paragould 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