Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Palmdale, CA: $37.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Palmdale, CA runs $37.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,201 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Palmdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,320 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palmdale, California, the projected median hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in 2026 is $37.12, surpassing the national median of $33.05. This competitive hourly rate makes it attractive for part-time workers, who often commit to schedules of three days a week, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic while earning a substantial income. The hourly compensation spans from $23.11 for entry-level positions to $57.53 for those in top-tier roles, showcasing the potential for career advancement in various clinical settings. It's important to understand that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections, reflecting a growing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare sector across Palmdale.
About the Palmdale 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) | $28.04 | $224.30 |
| Median (P50) | $37.12 | $296.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.51 | $380.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.53 | $460.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palmdale
Based on $37.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.12/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palmdale, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,199 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,538. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palmdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palmdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,484.60 | $6,433 | $77,199 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $890.76 | $3,860 | $46,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $593.84 | $2,573 | $30,880 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Palmdale) | $37.12 |
| 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 Palmdale, CA earn a median of $77,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.32% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.60% below the California state average of $77,667.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.12/hr = $46,320/year (purchasing power: $40,954).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,199/year (purchasing power: $68,257).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Palmdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Palmdale grew 18.5% from $30.40/hr (2019) to $36.02/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.24/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 Palmdale 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 Palmdale
For those considering part-time opportunities, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours weekly can expect to earn approximately $46,135 annually, which can be quite appealing compared to full-time roles. Moreover, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Palmdale can range from 10% to 25% above staff pay, reflecting the flexibility and, in some cases, higher earning potential associated with agency work. Salaries can vary significantly depending on the employer, whether at private practices or larger healthcare facilities, which often offer different benefits. Medical and clinical laboratory technologists may choose to exchange higher hourly rates without benefits for more stability and healthcare offerings in full-time positions. In negotiations, it's advisable to highlight local market demand and compare specific hourly rates across employers while considering your benefits needs to ensure a fair compensation package.
More salary data for Palmdale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Palmdale in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Palmdale?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Palmdale paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Palmdale?
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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 Palmdale. 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 Palmdale 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