Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Torrance, CA: $37.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Torrance, CA runs $37.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,028 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Torrance's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,413 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Torrance, California, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect a median hourly pay of $37.99, which is significantly above the national hourly median of $33.05. This higher pay reflects the specialized skill set required in clinical settings, where part-time or per-diem positions often cover critical staffing needs. For professionals working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into approximately $31,000 annually, thus appealing to those looking for a manageable work-life balance. The pay scale for this profession in Torrance ranges from an entry-level wage of $22.04 to a high-end rate of $58.89, illustrating the income potential as technologists gain experience and continue in their career paths.
About the Torrance 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) | $22.04 | $176.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.50 | $220.01 |
| Median (P50) | $37.99 | $303.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.63 | $389.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.89 | $471.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrance
Based on $37.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.99/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrance, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,021 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,589. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrance.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrance
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,519.63 | $6,585 | $79,021 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $911.78 | $3,951 | $47,413 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.85 | $2,634 | $31,608 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Torrance) | $37.99 |
| 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 Torrance, CA earn a median of $79,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.70% above the California state average of $77,707.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.99/hr = $47,413/year (purchasing power: $41,921).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,021/year (purchasing power: $69,868).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Torrance grew 18.5% from $31.12/hr (2019) to $36.87/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.15/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 Torrance 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 Torrance
The part-time earning potential for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours per week can yield about $31,000 annually, compared to full-time earnings which can surpass $79,028. When considering per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Torrance, agency rates may run a premium of 10-25% over standard hourly pay in various healthcare environments. Individual earnings can vary substantially based on employer type; large healthcare organizations typically offer benefits that can lower the hourly rate for staff while specialist clinics may provide higher pay but less in the way of job security and healthcare perks. Some professionals may prefer the stability and health insurance offered by full-time roles despite a lower hourly wage, while others might negotiate for a higher pay rate at the expense of benefits when working per diem. In Torrance, understanding the nuances of hourly compensation can be invaluable for negotiating contracts and maximizing earning potential in this field.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Torrance in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Torrance?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Torrance?
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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 Torrance. 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 Torrance 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