Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Alameda, CA: $36.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Alameda, CA runs $36.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,457 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Alameda's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,278 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alameda, California, the median hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists stands at $36.28, considerably higher than the national hourly median of $33.05. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, this rate translates to a significant earning potential, allowing for flexibility within clinical settings like hospitals or diagnostic laboratories. Entry-level positions may offer an hourly rate of approximately $22.92, while top earners can see rates climb up to $56.23. These figures are derived from projected annual salary estimates, underscoring the financial viability of this career path in Alameda.
About the Alameda Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.92 | $183.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.55 | $220.42 |
| Median (P50) | $36.28 | $290.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.44 | $371.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.23 | $449.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alameda
Based on $36.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.28/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alameda, CA can expect to earn approximately $75,463 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,536. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alameda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alameda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,451.22 | $6,289 | $75,463 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $870.73 | $3,773 | $45,278 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $580.49 | $2,515 | $30,185 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Alameda) | $36.28 |
| 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 Alameda, CA earn a median of $75,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.78% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.90% below the California state average of $77,711.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.28/hr = $45,278/year (purchasing power: $40,034).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,463/year (purchasing power: $66,723).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Alameda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Alameda grew 18.5% from $29.72/hr (2019) to $35.21/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.38/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 Alameda 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 Alameda
When exploring the financial aspects of working as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Alameda, part-time professionals can expect to earn significantly less on an annual basis compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, working 24 hours a week would yield an annual take-home considerably lower than those spending 40 hours weekly. Per-diem roles often provide a more appealing compensation structure, with rates typically extending a premium of 10-25% over standard W-2 salaries. Salary variations across employers in Alameda—ranging from private practices to large healthcare organizations—can also impact hourly compensation. Some professionals may opt for positions offering health insurance despite a lower hourly rate, while others seek higher pay without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies, particularly in this vibrant market, can make a difference; highlighting relevant certifications or specialized skills can strengthen one’s bargaining position during compensation discussions.
More salary data for Alameda, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Alameda in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Alameda?
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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 Alameda. 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 Alameda 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