Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in La Habra, CA: $36.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in La Habra, CA runs $36.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against La Habra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,021 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Habra, California, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $36.07, significantly above the national hourly median of $33.05. This favorable rate facilitates appealing earning potential not only for full-time employees but also for part-timers, often working three days a week in various clinical settings, who can expect a competitive income asymptotic to that of their full-time counterparts. Entry-level technologists generally start at about $22.42 per hour, while the seasoned professionals can make up to approximately $55.91 per hour. The figures related to hourly wages are derived from annual salary projections, highlighting the robust pay structure for this profession in the local area of La Habra.
About the La Habra 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) | $22.42 | $179.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.16 | $217.29 |
| Median (P50) | $36.07 | $288.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.17 | $369.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.91 | $447.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Habra
Based on $36.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.07/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Habra, CA can expect to earn approximately $75,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,289. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Habra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Habra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,442.97 | $6,253 | $75,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $865.78 | $3,752 | $45,021 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $577.19 | $2,501 | $30,014 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (La Habra) | $36.07 |
| 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 La Habra, CA earn a median of $75,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.16% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.40% below the California state average of $77,667.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.07/hr = $45,021/year (purchasing power: $39,806).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,035/year (purchasing power: $66,344).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in La Habra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in La Habra grew 18.5% from $29.55/hr (2019) to $35.01/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.17/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 La Habra 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 La Habra
Assessing the earning potential for medical and clinical laboratory technologists who work part-time—specifically those putting in around 24 hours a week—reveals a significant annual take-home compared to full-time roles, albeit with fewer benefits. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in La Habra often reflects a premium of 10-25% over traditional staff wages, offering lucrative opportunities for those willing to adopt a flexible working style. Salary variations across employer types, including private practices, large healthcare organizations, and community health centers, can lead to differing hourly rates. Some technologists may prioritize security, opting for slightly lower pay in exchange for health insurance benefits, while others may choose to seek out higher hourly rates with no benefits. Negotiation in this context can be vital; understanding how local demand influences pay and being aware of available compensation packages can empower professionals in La Habra to secure more favorable employment terms.
More salary data for La Habra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in La Habra in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in La Habra?
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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 La Habra. 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 La Habra 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