Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Santa Ana, CA: $39.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Santa Ana, CA runs $39.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,321 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Santa Ana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,393 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Ana, California, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly pay of $39.58. This figure is significantly higher than the national average hourly rate of $33.05, making the compensation locally competitive. For part-time positions, working three days a week can yield substantial earnings for those who prefer flexibility, allowing for a balanced lifestyle while earning a solid wage. Those entering the field can expect an hourly range starting at $22.96, while top earners may see up to $61.35 per hour. The hourly pay estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the overall health of the job market for laboratory technologists in clinical settings throughout the region.
About the Santa Ana 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) | $22.96 | $183.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.49 | $227.92 |
| Median (P50) | $39.58 | $316.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.65 | $405.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.35 | $490.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Ana
Based on $39.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.58/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Ana, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,322 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,493. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Ana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Ana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,583.11 | $6,860 | $82,322 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $949.86 | $4,116 | $49,393 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $633.24 | $2,744 | $32,929 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Santa Ana) | $39.58 |
| 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 Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $82,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.77% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 6.00% above the California state average of $77,661.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.58/hr = $49,393/year (purchasing power: $43,672).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,322/year (purchasing power: $72,787).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Santa Ana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Santa Ana grew 18.5% from $32.42/hr (2019) to $38.41/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.78/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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana
Taking a closer look at the financial outcomes for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working part-time, a professional putting in 24 hours weekly can expect a take-home pay of roughly $49,978 annually. This figure illustrates the potential for a steady income, even if one is not working full-time. For those opting for per diem roles, it’s common to see pay rates that reflect a premium over standard pay, typically between 10-25% higher than staff positions. Hourly compensation can also vary significantly based on employer type, wherein large healthcare organizations might offer different rates compared to private practices or specialty clinics. Medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Santa Ana often find a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and more stable positions that include health insurance. Negotiating effectively is essential; knowing the average rates and understanding the unique benefits of each opportunity can enhance earning potential in this field.
More salary data for Santa Ana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Santa Ana in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Santa Ana?
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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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana 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