Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $37.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Berkeley, CA runs $37.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,986 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,795 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, California, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly rate of $37.50, significantly above the national median of $33.05. This competitive pay structure allows those working part-time, such as three days a week, to command a robust wage even in reduced hours, making it an appealing option for many in clinical settings like hospitals and private practices. With the hourly range starting at $23.81 for entry-level positions and going up to $58.11 for those at the top of their field, there are ample opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential, depending on experience and expertise. These figures are drawn from annual salary estimates converted into hourly rates to better reflect the real-time earnings of those fulfilling essential roles in the healthcare ecosystem.
About the Berkeley 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) | $23.81 | $190.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.77 | $230.15 |
| Median (P50) | $37.50 | $299.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.00 | $383.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.11 | $464.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $37.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.50/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,996. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,499.85 | $6,499 | $77,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $899.91 | $3,900 | $46,795 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $599.94 | $2,600 | $31,197 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Berkeley) | $37.50 |
| 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 Berkeley, CA earn a median of $77,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.46% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.40% above the California state average of $77,675.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.50/hr = $46,795/year (purchasing power: $41,375).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,992/year (purchasing power: $68,959).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Berkeley grew 18.5% from $30.72/hr (2019) to $36.39/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.64/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Part-time professionals in this sector can take home a considerable annual income despite working fewer hours; those clocking in at 24 hours a week might earn around $46,800, a notable figure albeit less than full-time counterparts. For individuals considering per diem roles, the pay often features a premium, yielding rates that can be 10-25% higher than staff pay, which means they can earn even more while enjoying flexibility. Employer types in Berkeley contribute to variability in pay; private practices may offer different remuneration compared to large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others may seek higher hourly pay without benefits for additional income. It's crucial for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Berkeley to negotiate effectively—consider emphasizing your unique skill set and experience to secure the best possible pay.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Berkeley in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Berkeley?
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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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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