Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $28.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Santa Maria, CA runs $28.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,586 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.8, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,158 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Maria, California, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $28.17 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.05. This hourly rate influences part-time and per-diem workers in clinical settings, as many in this profession work flexible schedules—often around three days a week. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $25.55 per hour, while top earners may see pay rates nearing $48.10. The figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, offering a substantial peek into the earning potential within the local healthcare market, where about 240 medical and clinical laboratory technologists are employed.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.55 | $204.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.57 | $212.59 |
| Median (P50) | $28.17 | $225.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.94 | $287.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.10 | $384.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria
Based on $28.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.17/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $58,596 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,805. With a cost-of-living index of 108.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,126.85 | $4,883 | $58,596 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $676.11 | $2,930 | $35,158 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.74 | $1,953 | $23,438 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Santa Maria) | $28.17 |
| 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 Maria, CA earn a median of $58,586 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.76% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 24.60% below the California state average of $77,701.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.17/hr = $35,158/year (purchasing power: $32,315).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,596/year (purchasing power: $53,858).
CoL index: 108.798 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-6.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Santa Maria grew -12.2% from $31.15/hr (2019) to $27.34/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.03/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 Maria 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 Maria
For part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working approximately 24 hours a week, the annual income will reflect a considerable difference from full-time earnings. Such workers may take home considerably less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, affecting their financial planning significantly. Additionally, per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Santa Maria can often exceed regular hourly rates by as much as 10-25%, making agency roles attractive for those willing to forego job security and benefits. The type of employer plays a critical role in determining pay scales, with private practices typically offering lower rates than large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics. This disparity often leads techs to prioritize health insurance benefits, which might be offered at reduced rates, over higher hourly wages that come without stability. When negotiating their pay, it's advisable for workers to highlight their relevant credentials and experience to secure fair compensation, particularly in a region like Santa Maria where competition for skilled roles can influence hourly rates.
More salary data for Santa Maria, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Santa Maria in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Santa Maria?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Santa Maria paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Maria?
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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 Maria. 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