Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Durango, CO: $34.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Durango, CO runs $34.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,692 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Durango's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,015 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Durango, Colorado, the hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to be $34.47 in 2026. This figure is slightly above the national hourly median of $33.05, offering a competitive edge for professionals in the area. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can result in substantial earnings, especially in clinical settings where these technologists are essential. Entry-level positions might start at around $24.09 per hour, while experienced professionals in high-demand roles can earn up to $52.65 per hour. These hourly rates are extrapolated from annual salary data, reflecting a diverse income potential across various levels of experience within the field.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.09 | $192.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.68 | $221.41 |
| Median (P50) | $34.47 | $275.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.53 | $340.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.65 | $421.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durango
Based on $34.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.47/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durango, CO can expect to earn approximately $71,691 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,360. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Durango.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durango
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,378.68 | $5,974 | $71,691 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $827.21 | $3,585 | $43,015 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.47 | $2,390 | $28,676 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Durango) | $34.47 |
| 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 Durango, CO earn a median of $71,692 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.30% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $76,512.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.47/hr = $43,015/year (purchasing power: $40,966).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,691/year (purchasing power: $68,277).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Durango grew 18.5% from $28.24/hr (2019) to $33.45/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.51/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 Durango 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 Durango
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals that a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working just three days a week would take home significantly less than a full-time colleague, but can still enjoy a reasonable income for a part-time schedule. In many cases, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Durango can exceed standard staff wages by 10-25%, providing viable financial opportunities for those looking for flexible work arrangements. Various employer types, such as private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics, can influence hourly rates. While some may choose to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others might prefer the higher hourly pay that comes with contract work. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding the local labor market and demonstrating value through experience and certifications can be key strategies in securing better compensation within this evolving healthcare landscape in CO.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Durango in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Durango?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Durango paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Durango?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Durango?
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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 Durango. 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 Durango 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