Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in San Mateo, CA: $37.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in San Mateo, CA runs $37.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,520 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against San Mateo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,117 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Mateo, California, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $37.75, significantly above the national median of $33.05. For those working part-time in clinical settings, such as labs and hospitals, this hourly rate opens the door to respectable earnings, especially for individuals working three days a week. The hourly wage structure in this profession can vary widely, with entry-level positions earning around $21.90 and experienced technologists potentially reaching up to $58.52. These hourly figures are estimates derived from annual salary projections, reflecting the diverse earning potential that professionals in this field can experience based on their expertise and employer types.
About the San Mateo 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) | $21.90 | $175.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.27 | $234.19 |
| Median (P50) | $37.75 | $302.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.32 | $386.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.52 | $468.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Mateo
Based on $37.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.75/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Mateo, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,305. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Mateo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Mateo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,510.15 | $6,544 | $78,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $906.09 | $3,926 | $47,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $604.06 | $2,618 | $31,411 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (San Mateo) | $37.75 |
| 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 Mateo, CA earn a median of $78,520 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.24% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.10% above the California state average of $77,665.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.75/hr = $47,117/year (purchasing power: $41,659).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,528/year (purchasing power: $69,432).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Mateo grew 18.5% from $30.93/hr (2019) to $36.64/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.90/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 Mateo 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 Mateo
When examining the overall earning potential for part-time professionals in San Mateo, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual take-home closer to $47,000, which highlights the financial viability of balancing work and personal commitments. Many choose per diem positions, often earning between a 10-25% premium, allowing for greater flexibility. Job opportunities may differ significantly according to employer types, with private practices generally offering lower hourly pay compared to larger healthcare organizations. Additionally, benefits can influence job choices; some technologists may accept slightly lower pay rates in exchange for health insurance and stability. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s essential to consider the full compensation package, including benefits, to ensure the best outcomes for both salary and quality of life in San Mateo.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Mateo in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in San Mateo?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Mateo paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Mateo?
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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 Mateo. 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 Mateo 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