Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Tulare, CA: $37.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Tulare, CA runs $37.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,497 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Tulare's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,104 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tulare, California, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $37.74 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $33.05. This higher rate reflects the unique market conditions and cost of living in the area, which sits at an index of 113.1. For those considering part-time work—such as 24 hours a week, which is three days—the annual income can still be competitive. Entry-level positions can earn around $23.16, while experienced professionals can reach up to $58.50 per hour. Each of these figures reflects a segment of the profession's overall earnings, derived from anticipated annual salaries offered in clinical settings like hospitals and private practices.
About the Tulare 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) | $23.16 | $185.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.19 | $225.53 |
| Median (P50) | $37.74 | $301.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.31 | $386.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.50 | $467.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulare
Based on $37.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.74/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulare, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,292. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tulare.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulare
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,509.74 | $6,542 | $78,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $905.85 | $3,925 | $47,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $603.90 | $2,617 | $31,403 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Tulare) | $37.74 |
| 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 Tulare, CA earn a median of $78,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.20% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.00% above the California state average of $77,720.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.74/hr = $47,104/year (purchasing power: $41,648).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,507/year (purchasing power: $69,413).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Tulare grew 18.5% from $30.92/hr (2019) to $36.63/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.89/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 Tulare 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 Tulare
Exploring the earning potential of part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Tulare, those working 24 hours a week would take home around $47,000 annually, a significant difference compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Tulare can offer a 10-25% premium over standard staff pay, allowing for potentially higher earnings, particularly for those with specialized skills. Hourly rates can also fluctuate depending on the employer; larger healthcare organizations may provide more benefits, yet smaller practices might offer higher hourly wages without additional perks. Medical and clinical laboratory technologists often face a trade-off: opting for lower hourly rates to secure essential health insurance or choosing greater pay without benefits. To negotiate effectively in this environment, emphasize your credentials, skill set, and any unique experiences that can bring added value to potential employers in Tulare's diverse healthcare scene.
More salary data for Tulare, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Tulare in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Tulare?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Tulare paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Tulare?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Tulare?
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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 Tulare. 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 Tulare 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