Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Long Beach, CA: $35.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Long Beach, CA runs $35.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,893 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Long Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,339 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Beach, California, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly rate of $35.53, surpassing the national median of $33.05 by 7.51%. This competitive hourly pay is beneficial for those working part-time or per-diem arrangements, allowing for flexible schedules in clinical settings. For instance, a technologist working just three days a week, or 24 hours, would still take home a significant portion of their annual income. Additionally, the hourly pay ranges from $20.61 for entry-level positions to $55.06 for top earners, offering opportunities for professionals at various stages of their careers. It is essential to understand that these figures are derived from projected annual salaries, outlining a vibrant workforce in Long Beach.
About the Long Beach 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) | $20.61 | $164.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.26 | $218.12 |
| Median (P50) | $35.53 | $284.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.47 | $363.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.06 | $440.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Beach
Based on $35.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.53/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $73,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,634. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,421.13 | $6,158 | $73,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $852.68 | $3,695 | $44,339 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $568.45 | $2,463 | $29,559 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Long Beach) | $35.53 |
| 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 Long Beach, CA earn a median of $73,893 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 4.90% below the California state average of $77,700.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.53/hr = $44,339/year (purchasing power: $39,204).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,899/year (purchasing power: $65,339).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Long Beach grew 18.5% from $29.10/hr (2019) to $34.48/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.61/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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Analyzing the financial landscape for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Long Beach reveals intriguing earning potentials. For those working part-time, taking home a consistent income from a 24-hour workweek provides stability, though less than that of full-time employees. The per diem rates for agency or locum workers may offer a premium of 10-25% beyond standard staff rates, creating an appealing alternative for many professionals. The type of employer also significantly affects hourly wages; those employed in large healthcare organizations, for example, may see different compensation levels compared to technologists in private practices or specialty clinics. Furthermore, some technologists may choose lower hourly labor in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those seeking to negotiate their hourly rate, it's advisable to highlight the demand for skilled labor in the area and consider all aspects of compensation, including benefits and work-life balance.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Long Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Long Beach?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Long Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Long Beach?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Long Beach?
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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 Long Beach. 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 Long Beach 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