Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Irvine, CA: $38.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Irvine, CA runs $38.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,709 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Irvine's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvine, California, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly pay of $38.80, significantly higher than the national median of $33.05. For part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a solid income within clinical settings, allowing them to effectively manage their work-life balance while still contributing to vital healthcare services. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $23.68, while seasoned experts within the field may draw compensation as high as $60.14. This hourly pay reflects projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, indicating the potential for growth within this essential role in Irvine, CA.
About the Irvine 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) | $23.68 | $189.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.14 | $233.12 |
| Median (P50) | $38.80 | $310.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.67 | $397.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.14 | $481.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvine
Based on $38.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.80/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvine, CA can expect to earn approximately $80,714 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,566. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,552.19 | $6,726 | $80,714 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $931.32 | $4,036 | $48,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $620.88 | $2,690 | $32,286 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Irvine) | $38.80 |
| 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 Irvine, CA earn a median of $80,709 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.42% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.90% above the California state average of $77,680.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.80/hr = $48,428/year (purchasing power: $42,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,714/year (purchasing power: $71,365).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Irvine grew 18.5% from $31.79/hr (2019) to $37.66/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.98/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 Irvine 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 Irvine
For those considering a part-time schedule as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist, working just 24 hours a week could yield an annual take-home pay that still compares favorably to those employed full-time. Per diem opportunities often present an enticing option as they typically offer compensation rates at a 10-25% premium over standard staff pay. Hourly earnings can vary based on the type of employer, with large healthcare organizations often providing more extensive benefits packages, while private practices may offer higher hourly rates without benefits. Technologists sometimes face the challenge of deciding between slightly lower hourly rates with health insurance and higher rates without benefits. Negotiation tips for hourly workers include emphasizing experience and the added value they bring to a facility, which can make a significant difference in their compensation in the competitive Irvine market.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Irvine in 2026?
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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 Irvine. 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 Irvine 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