Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Downey, CA: $37.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Downey, CA runs $37.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,670 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Downey's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,207 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Downey, California, earn a median hourly pay of $37.83, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.05. This elevated salary reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, diagnostic labs, and specialty clinics. For part-time employees working approximately three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a stable income, allowing for balanced work-life arrangements. Moreover, the hourly range for these technologists in Downey spans from $21.94 for entry-level positions to $58.62 for top earners, creating opportunities for professionals at various stages in their careers.
About the Downey 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) | $21.94 | $175.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.59 | $228.75 |
| Median (P50) | $37.83 | $302.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.41 | $387.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.62 | $468.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downey
Based on $37.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.83/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downey, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,678 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,391. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Downey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,513.04 | $6,557 | $78,678 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $907.82 | $3,934 | $47,207 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.22 | $2,623 | $31,471 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Downey) | $37.83 |
| 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 Downey, CA earn a median of $78,670 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.46% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.30% above the California state average of $77,660.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.83/hr = $47,207/year (purchasing power: $41,739).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,678/year (purchasing power: $69,565).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Downey grew 18.5% from $30.99/hr (2019) to $36.71/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.98/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 Downey 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 Downey
In terms of part-time compensation, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week would potentially earn around $47,038 annually, substantially less than their full-time counterparts. For those seeking flexibility, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Downey can offer a 10-25% premium over standard staff pay, making it an attractive option for professionals who prioritize higher hourly wages over benefits. Additionally, compensation can vary widely depending on the type of employer. For instance, technologists in private practices or community health centers may see different pay scales than those in larger healthcare organizations. While a higher hourly rate might be appealing, many professionals weigh the trade-off between lower pay with comprehensive benefits against higher pay with fewer perks. For successful negotiations, it’s advisable for workers to clearly understand the value of their skills in the local market and to be prepared to discuss how these skills align with specific employer needs in Downey.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Downey in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Downey?
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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 Downey. 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 Downey 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