Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Lake Elsinore, CA: $37.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Lake Elsinore, CA runs $37.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,457 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Lake Elsinore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,474 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median hourly rate of $37.24, which is significantly higher than the national median of $33.05. This competitive rate makes it an attractive option for part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week; a schedule like this could yield a weekly income of about $446.72 for 24 hours of work, allowing for a reasonable annual take-home depending on shifts. The hourly wage spans from $22.09 (P10) for entry-level positions to $57.72 (P90) for experienced top earners, reflecting a range of professional backgrounds and employer types, including hospitals and private laboratories. In discussing pay, it's crucial to understand that these figures are estimates derived from the projected annual salary data for 2026 and emphasize the earning potential in clinical settings.
About the Lake Elsinore 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) | $22.09 | $176.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.21 | $217.70 |
| Median (P50) | $37.24 | $297.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.10 | $376.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.72 | $461.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Elsinore
Based on $37.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.24/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Elsinore, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,456 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,686. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Elsinore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Elsinore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,489.55 | $6,455 | $77,456 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $893.73 | $3,873 | $46,474 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.82 | $2,582 | $30,983 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Lake Elsinore) | $37.24 |
| 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 Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $77,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.69% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.30% below the California state average of $77,690.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.24/hr = $46,474/year (purchasing power: $41,091).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,456/year (purchasing power: $68,485).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lake Elsinore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lake Elsinore grew 18.5% from $30.51/hr (2019) to $36.14/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.37/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 Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore
For those considering part-time opportunities, an individual working a 24-hour week could earn roughly $23,244 annually, compared to full-time counterparts, who would see an income closer to $77,457 based on full-time hours. The option for per-diem roles is especially popular in this industry, where rates may run 10-25% higher than standard staff wages, making it an appealing choice for flexible work. Employers in Lake Elsinore, such as community health centers and specialty clinics, may offer varying salaries based on their requirements and benefits packages. Some medical and clinical laboratory technologists may choose lower hourly wages for positions that provide health insurance, while others might prefer higher rates without benefits for greater flexibility. When negotiating pay in Lake Elsinore, it’s advisable to understand local market conditions and be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience relative to the prevailing pay rates for medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly positions.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore. 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 Lake Elsinore 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