Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $36.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Merced, CA runs $36.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,487 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,291 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merced, California, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $36.29 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.05. This elevated rate reflects the demands of the profession and the cost of living in the area. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this translates to an income that can comfortably support individuals while allowing for flexibility. The hourly pay range for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Merced varies significantly, from $21.89 for entry-level positions to $56.25 for experienced professionals, indicating a broad potential for earnings based on experience and skill set.
About the Merced 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) | $21.89 | $175.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.79 | $214.32 |
| Median (P50) | $36.29 | $290.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.45 | $371.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.25 | $450.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $36.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.29/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $75,485 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,549. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,451.63 | $6,290 | $75,485 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $870.98 | $3,774 | $45,291 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $580.65 | $2,516 | $30,194 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Merced) | $36.29 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $75,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.82% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.80% below the California state average of $77,662.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.29/hr = $45,291/year (purchasing power: $40,045).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,485/year (purchasing power: $66,741).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Merced grew 18.5% from $29.73/hr (2019) to $35.22/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.39/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 Merced 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 Merced
When considering part-time roles, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week could take home about $47,748 annually, considerably less than a full-time counterpart but still viable for many. For those opting for per diem positions, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Merced may carry a premium of 10-25% over standard hourly wages, which can be a lucrative alternative for experienced professionals who prefer the flexibility of agency work. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on employer types; larger healthcare facilities often provide better pay and benefits than smaller private practices or community health centers. However, many opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits offered by full-time positions. For those negotiating hourly wages in Merced, it helps to emphasize your skills and certifications while being aware of the market averages to secure a competitive rate.
More salary data for Merced, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Merced?
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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 Merced. 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 Merced 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