Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Murrieta, CA: $37.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Murrieta, CA runs $37.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,533 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Murrieta's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murrieta, California, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $37.28. This is significantly higher than the national median of $33.05 per hour, reflecting the increased demand and cost of living in the area. For those looking for part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this rate can translate into a comfortable income in clinical settings, which often include hospitals, private practices, and community health centers. The hourly range span from $23.49 for entry-level positions to $57.77 for the most experienced technologists, indicating a robust range of pay available within the profession.
About the Murrieta 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) | $23.49 | $187.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.35 | $226.77 |
| Median (P50) | $37.28 | $298.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.72 | $381.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.77 | $462.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murrieta
Based on $37.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.28/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murrieta, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,542 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,736. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Murrieta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murrieta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,491.19 | $6,462 | $77,542 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $894.72 | $3,877 | $46,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $596.48 | $2,585 | $31,017 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Murrieta) | $37.28 |
| 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 Murrieta, CA earn a median of $77,533 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.80% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.20% below the California state average of $77,689.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.28/hr = $46,525/year (purchasing power: $41,136).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,542/year (purchasing power: $68,561).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Murrieta grew 18.5% from $30.54/hr (2019) to $36.18/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.41/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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
Exploring the earning potential of part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists, those working three days a week for 24 hours can bring in an estimated annual amount that, while lower than full-time positions, can still provide financial stability. For professionals opting for per diem roles in Murrieta, it’s not uncommon to see rates that come with a 10-25% premium over standard staff pay, offering an enticing option for flexibility and higher short-term earnings. Hourly rates often differ based on employer type—larger healthcare organizations may offer more stability and benefits, while private practices and specialty clinics might provide a higher hourly pay but with fewer benefits. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial, especially for those negotiating their pay; technologists should emphasize skill sets and local market conditions when discussing flexible arrangements or higher compensation, ensuring they are adequately compensated for their expertise in Murrieta, CA.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Murrieta in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Murrieta?
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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 Murrieta. 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 Murrieta 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