Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $37.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Thornton, CO runs $37.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,628 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, medical and clinical laboratory technologists enjoy a median hourly rate of $37.36, which exceeds the national median of $33.05, reflecting a 13.06% premium. This rate is particularly appealing for those seeking part-time work, especially in clinical settings, allowing professionals to balance their careers while earning a solid paycheck. Entry-level positions start at approximately $21.67 per hour, while top earners can command up to $57.91. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates projected for 2026, highlighting the competitive financial landscape for this vital profession in Thornton.
About the Thornton 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) | $21.67 | $173.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.98 | $215.81 |
| Median (P50) | $37.36 | $298.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.82 | $382.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.91 | $463.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $37.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.36/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $77,714 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,835. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,494.49 | $6,476 | $77,714 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $896.70 | $3,886 | $46,628 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $597.80 | $2,590 | $31,085 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Thornton) | $37.36 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $77,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.06% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $76,488.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.36/hr = $46,628/year (purchasing power: $44,408).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,714/year (purchasing power: $74,013).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Thornton grew 18.5% from $30.61/hr (2019) to $36.26/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.50/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week could yield a substantial annual income of around $46,624 based on a typical 24-hour work week, compared to a full-time role that offers a significantly higher total. Furthermore, per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Thornton can often include a 10-25% premium over regular pay rates, making it an attractive option for professionals desiring flexibility. Compensation can vary depending on the employer, with private practices typically offering different rates than larger healthcare organizations or community health centers. Some technologists opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may pursue higher hourly earnings without additional benefits. Those in Thornton are advised to negotiate effectively by understanding the value of their credentials and the market demand, utilizing local data on hourly rates to strengthen their position.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Thornton in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Thornton?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Thornton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Thornton?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Thornton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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