Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $37.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in San Clemente, CA runs $37.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,358 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Clemente, California, the typical pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is projected to reach a median hourly rate of $37.15 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $33.05. This elevated hourly wage can be particularly advantageous for those considering part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week—potentially making this profession suitable for individuals seeking a balanced work-life dynamic. The hourly pay ranges from about $21.84 at the entry level to as much as $57.58 for the most experienced practitioners, reflecting a wide disparity in earnings based on experience and skill level. These figures are derived from annual salary data projections and indicate a professional landscape that rewards advancement and specialization.
About the San Clemente 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) | $21.84 | $174.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.45 | $227.59 |
| Median (P50) | $37.15 | $297.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.55 | $380.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.58 | $460.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $37.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.15/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,264 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,575. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,485.84 | $6,439 | $77,264 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $891.50 | $3,863 | $46,358 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.33 | $2,575 | $30,905 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (San Clemente) | $37.15 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $77,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.41% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.60% below the California state average of $77,732.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.15/hr = $46,358/year (purchasing power: $40,989).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,264/year (purchasing power: $68,314).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Clemente grew 18.5% from $30.43/hr (2019) to $36.05/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.28/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
For those working part-time, an individual clocking in 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $46,423 annually, which still offers a competitive income, especially considering the flexibility it provides. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in San Clemente often includes a premium of 10-25% over standard staff wages, appealing to many who prefer variable hours without the commitment of a full-time schedule. Typically, rates can vary depending on whether these professionals are employed in private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics. Although some technologists may accept lower hourly rates due to the inclusion of benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly compensation at the expense of such perks. When negotiating pay, it’s wise to emphasize relevant certifications and experience, as well as industry demand, to secure the most favorable terms in this competitive job market.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Clemente in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in San Clemente?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Clemente?
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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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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