Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Santee, CA: $37.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Santee, CA runs $37.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,238 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Santee's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,937 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in Santee, CA, is projected to be $37.61 by 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.05. This competitive rate creates an attractive environment for part-time and per-diem workers, who typically operate in clinical settings. For those working three days a week, this translates to fulfilling shifts with consistent pay. The hourly compensation ranges from $22.93 for entry-level positions to approximately $58.30 for top earners in the field, showcasing the potential for advancement and higher earnings with experience. Hourly rates are calculated from annual salary projections, reflecting the diverse earning potential in Santee's healthcare landscape.
About the Santee 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) | $22.93 | $183.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.94 | $223.56 |
| Median (P50) | $37.61 | $300.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.15 | $385.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.30 | $466.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santee
Based on $37.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.61/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santee, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,228 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,132. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,504.38 | $6,519 | $78,228 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $902.63 | $3,911 | $46,937 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $601.75 | $2,608 | $31,291 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Santee) | $37.61 |
| 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 Santee, CA earn a median of $78,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.83% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.70% above the California state average of $77,694.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.61/hr = $46,937/year (purchasing power: $41,500).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,228/year (purchasing power: $69,167).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Santee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Santee grew 18.5% from $30.81/hr (2019) to $36.50/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.75/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 Santee 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 Santee
In terms of annual earnings, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working part-time—specifically three days a week for a total of 24 hours—can expect to take home a substantial income, albeit less than full-time colleagues. Per-diem or agency roles typically offer a premium of 10-25% over standard W-2 staff pay, appealing to many professionals drawn to the flexibility and higher pay rates. The hourly pay can differ between employer types in Santee. For instance, specialists in private practices might earn less than those in large healthcare organizations or community health centers. While some technologists choose higher hourly wages without benefits, others prefer the stability of full-time employment that includes health insurance. For those in hourly positions, negotiating effectively is key; understanding the local market for medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly rate CA is crucial in securing competitive pay.
More salary data for Santee, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Santee in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Santee?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Santee?
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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 Santee. 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 Santee 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