Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $38.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Richmond, CA runs $38.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,166 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,503 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Richmond, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $38.06, significantly higher than the national median of $33.05. This pay structure offers promising opportunities, especially for those working part-time or as per-diem professionals, who can expect to earn between $22.09 and $58.99 per hour based on their experience level and job setting. With such an hourly rate, part-time workers who might typically engage in three-day workweeks can enjoy substantial earnings, allowing for flexibility in their schedules. The varied hourly range reflects differences in experience and demand within local clinical environments, from entry-level positions to those commanding top salaries.
About the Richmond 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) | $22.09 | $176.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.63 | $221.00 |
| Median (P50) | $38.06 | $304.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.72 | $389.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.99 | $471.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $38.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.06/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,171 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,676. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,522.52 | $6,598 | $79,171 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $913.51 | $3,959 | $47,503 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $609.01 | $2,639 | $31,668 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Richmond) | $38.06 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $79,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.18% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.90% above the California state average of $77,690.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.06/hr = $47,503/year (purchasing power: $42,001).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,171/year (purchasing power: $70,001).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Richmond grew 18.5% from $31.18/hr (2019) to $36.94/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.22/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Considering the financial landscape, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working part-time (24 hours a week) would potentially take home around $45,000 annually, providing a stable income while balancing other commitments. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Richmond could offer a more lucrative path, often running 10-25% above standard hourly pay due to the immediate coverage needs of healthcare facilities. Hourly wages may also fluctuate based on employer types, with larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics typically able to offer higher compensation compared to smaller private practices. However, many professionals might accept reduced rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, depending on individual circumstances. Negotiating pay effectively with potential employers can be crucial; specializing in rare testing methods or acquiring advanced certifications often leads to better hourly earnings.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Richmond in 2026?
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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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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