Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Mission Viejo, CA: $37.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Mission Viejo, CA runs $37.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,417 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Mission Viejo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,053 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mission Viejo, California, the hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to be $37.70 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $33.05. This attractive rate makes the profession appealing for both full-time and part-time workers alike, especially for those considering a schedule of three days a week. Such part-time roles typically offer flexibility while still providing competitive earnings, allowing technicians to achieve a satisfying income without committing to a full-time schedule. Entry-level positions start around $23.11 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $58.43, reflecting the significant potential for career growth and development in the field.
About the Mission Viejo 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) | $23.11 | $184.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.12 | $224.96 |
| Median (P50) | $37.70 | $301.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.18 | $385.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.43 | $467.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission Viejo
Based on $37.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.70/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission Viejo, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,421 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,243. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mission Viejo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission Viejo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,508.09 | $6,535 | $78,421 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $904.86 | $3,921 | $47,053 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $603.24 | $2,614 | $31,368 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Mission Viejo) | $37.70 |
| 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 Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $78,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.09% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.90% above the California state average of $77,717.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.70/hr = $47,053/year (purchasing power: $41,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,421/year (purchasing power: $69,338).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Mission Viejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Mission Viejo grew 18.5% from $30.89/hr (2019) to $36.59/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.85/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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo
Earnings for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working part-time at 24 hours per week can amount to approximately $47,000 annually, a solid income compared to market standards. Many professionals choose to pursue per-diem opportunities, as these can provide a 10-25% premium on typical W-2 pay for agency staff. However, compensation varies by employer type in Mission Viejo. Larger healthcare organizations may offer more comprehensive benefits, thus attracting technologists who may accept a slightly lower hourly rate. In contrast, those preferring the flexibility of per diem roles may sacrifice those benefits for higher hourly compensation. When negotiating hourly pay, being informed about industry standards and having clarity on specific employer benefits becomes fundamental, allowing professionals to make informed decisions about their positions in the medical field in CA.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Mission Viejo in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Mission Viejo?
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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 Mission Viejo. 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 Mission Viejo 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