Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Encinitas, CA: $37.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Encinitas, CA runs $37.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,675 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Encinitas'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
In Encinitas, California, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $37.83 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.05. This favorable rate opens diverse pathways for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in clinical settings commonly associated with this profession. With an hourly range spanning from $23.39 for entry-level roles to $58.63 for experienced, top earners, individuals in this field can expect a substantial pay scale reflective of their skills and expertise. While these hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, they serve as a vital benchmark for both current professionals and those considering a career as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in CA.
About the Encinitas 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) | $23.39 | $187.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.37 | $226.94 |
| Median (P50) | $37.83 | $302.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.42 | $387.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.63 | $469.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Encinitas
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 Encinitas, 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 Encinitas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Encinitas
| 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 (Encinitas) | $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 Encinitas, CA earn a median of $78,675 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 $77,666.
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 Encinitas (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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas
Looking at part-time earning potential, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working three days a week typically logs about 24 hours, translating to an annual take-home much less than that of a full-time professional, illustrating a clear trade-off between hours worked and total compensation. In addition, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Encinitas may include a premium of 10-25% over standard staff rates, making this an attractive option for flexible work arrangements. Employers vary in payment structures, with private practices usually offering lower benefits but potentially higher hourly rates compared to large healthcare organizations that might provide more comprehensive benefits packages. When negotiating, professionals should consider how benefits weigh against hourly pay, especially when a slightly lower hourly rate might come with job security and health insurance. Thus, understanding the dynamics between employer types, payment structures, and individual needs becomes essential for navigating their careers effectively in Encinitas.
More salary data for Encinitas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Encinitas in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Encinitas?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Encinitas paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Encinitas?
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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 Encinitas. 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 Encinitas 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