Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $44.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in San Francisco, CA runs $44.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,141 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in San Francisco, CA, is projected to be $44.18, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.05. This elevated pay not only indicates strong demand for professionals in this field but also offers a solid foundation for those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities. For individuals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into attractive compensation, allowing them to balance work and personal commitments effectively. The hourly pay also spans a wide range, from $29.18 for entry-level positions to $70.19 for top earners, reflecting the diverse skill sets and experiences within the profession. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, underscoring the competitive nature of laboratory technologist roles in the Bay Area.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.18 | $233.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.61 | $284.88 |
| Median (P50) | $44.18 | $353.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.84 | $406.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.19 | $561.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $44.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.18/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $91,902 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,020. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,767.34 | $7,658 | $91,902 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,060.41 | $4,595 | $55,141 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $706.94 | $3,063 | $36,761 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (San Francisco) | $44.18 |
| 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 Francisco, CA earn a median of $91,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.69% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 18.30% above the California state average of $77,675.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.18/hr = $55,141/year (purchasing power: $47,695).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,902/year (purchasing power: $79,491).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Francisco grew 39.4% from $30.77/hr (2019) to $42.88/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.53/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 Francisco 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 Francisco
For those contemplating part-time roles, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual income of approximately $55,000, assuming steady hours and a consistent hourly rate. Moreover, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in San Francisco typically carries a premium of 10-25% over standard W-2 payroll rates, making these flexible positions even more appealing. Hourly earnings can differ based on the employer type, with private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics each offering varying compensation structures. While some professionals may choose to accept positions with lower hourly rates for the sake of health benefits, others prioritize higher pay without benefits. When negotiating pay, it's crucial to consider the specific employer context and market rates in San Francisco, ensuring fair compensation aligns with your qualifications and experience.
More salary data for San Francisco, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Francisco in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in San Francisco?
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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 Francisco. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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