Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Garden Grove, CA: $38.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Garden Grove, CA runs $38.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,455 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Garden Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,670 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garden Grove, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect a median hourly pay of $38.20, which surpasses the national median of $33.05. This competitive rate not only reflects the demand for skilled professionals in clinical settings but also highlights the potential for part-time and per-diem workers to secure beneficial earnings. For individuals working three days a week, typically totaling around 24 hours, the hourly rate can substantially impact overall income, providing a feasible option for those seeking work-life balance. The hourly compensation ranges from $22.39 at the entry-level to an impressive $59.21 for seasoned professionals in more advanced roles. These pay rates stem from annual salary data, confirming that the labor market in Garden Grove offers diverse financial opportunities for laboratory technologists.
About the Garden Grove 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) | $22.39 | $179.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.89 | $223.14 |
| Median (P50) | $38.20 | $305.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.89 | $391.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.21 | $473.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden Grove
Based on $38.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.20/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden Grove, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,450 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,836. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Garden Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,527.88 | $6,621 | $79,450 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $916.73 | $3,972 | $47,670 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.15 | $2,648 | $31,780 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Garden Grove) | $38.20 |
| 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 Garden Grove, CA earn a median of $79,455 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.60% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.30% above the California state average of $77,669.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.20/hr = $47,670/year (purchasing power: $42,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,450/year (purchasing power: $70,247).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Garden Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Garden Grove grew 18.5% from $31.29/hr (2019) to $37.07/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.36/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 Garden Grove 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 Garden Grove
For those considering part-time employment, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Garden Grove working a 24-hour week could earn significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, although they might still find the flexibility attractive. Per diem roles offer competitive choices, with pay typically running 10-25% higher than staff positions due to their temporary nature, making per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Garden Grove appealing for flexible workers. Employers vary widely, with private practices generally providing lower hourly rates while large healthcare facilities may offer more comprehensive benefits packages in exchange for lower hourly wages. When negotiating pay in Garden Grove, consider the trade-offs of hourly rates versus benefits; some technologists are willing to accept lower pay for health insurance and job stability. Highlighting specific skills and certifications during negotiations can be advantageous, leading to better compensation in this competitive field.
More salary data for Garden Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Garden Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Garden Grove?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Garden Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Garden Grove?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Garden Grove?
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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 Garden Grove. 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 Garden Grove 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