Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Santa Cruz, CA: $43.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Santa Cruz, CA runs $43.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,764 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Santa Cruz's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.9, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,460 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Cruz, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $43.64 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.05. This competitive rate creates appealing opportunities for part-time employees who may work three days a week, allowing them to enjoy a decent income while maintaining flexibility. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $28.82 per hour, with top-tier professionals in the field reaching up to $52.63 per hour. This hourly pay reflects the official BLS data and highlights the demand for skilled technicians in clinical settings, where their expertise is essential for patient care and laboratory results.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.82 | $230.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.53 | $324.21 |
| Median (P50) | $43.64 | $349.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.39 | $363.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.63 | $421.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Cruz
Based on $43.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.64/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Cruz, CA can expect to earn approximately $90,766 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,365. With a cost-of-living index of 109.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Cruz.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Cruz
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,745.50 | $7,564 | $90,766 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,047.30 | $4,538 | $54,460 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $698.20 | $3,026 | $36,306 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Santa Cruz) | $43.64 |
| 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 Cruz, CA earn a median of $90,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.05% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 16.80% above the California state average of $77,709.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.64/hr = $54,460/year (purchasing power: $49,556).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,766/year (purchasing power: $82,593).
CoL index: 109.896 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Santa Cruz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Santa Cruz grew 36.5% from $31.02/hr (2019) to $42.35/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.96/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 Cruz 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 Cruz
When looking at part-time earnings, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours each week in Santa Cruz would take home approximately $54,068 annually, which can vary depending on shifts and specific roles. In contrast, full-time professionals benefit from increased job security and potentially more comprehensive benefits. Those considering per diem positions often find they can command 10-25% higher rates compared to staff roles, providing a strategic avenue for increased income. Hourly wages also fluctuate depending on the employer type; large healthcare organizations may offer more stability, while specialty clinics and private practices could have varied pay scales. It’s essential for professionals to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates with limited benefits and lower rates that include health insurance, considering their personal and financial needs. Negotiation is crucial in this market, and professionals in Santa Cruz should be prepared to advocate for a fair pay rate reflective of their skills and experience.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Cruz. 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