Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Melbourne, FL: $32.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Melbourne, FL runs $32.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,968 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Melbourne's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,186 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Melbourne, Florida, the expected hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to be $32.20 in 2026, just slightly below the national median of $33.05. This pay scale indicates a competitive environment for those looking to work part-time or as per-diem professionals. For instance, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working three days a week may find this hourly rate appealing, yielding a comfortable income while enjoying a flexible schedule. The hourly compensation can vary significantly, with entry-level positions earning as little as $19.93 and top earners making up to $49.90, reflecting the diverse range of settings—from clinical laboratories to specialized healthcare facilities.
About the Melbourne Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.93 | $159.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.15 | $193.22 |
| Median (P50) | $32.20 | $257.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.22 | $329.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.90 | $399.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Melbourne
Based on $32.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.20/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Melbourne, FL can expect to earn approximately $66,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,640. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Melbourne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Melbourne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,288.00 | $5,581 | $66,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $772.80 | $3,349 | $40,186 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.20 | $2,233 | $26,790 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Melbourne) | $32.20 |
| 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 Melbourne, FL earn a median of $66,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.57% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.90% above the Florida state average of $63,840.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.20/hr = $40,186/year (purchasing power: $39,867).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,976/year (purchasing power: $66,444).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Melbourne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Melbourne grew 18.5% from $26.38/hr (2019) to $31.25/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.18/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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne
Examining the financial landscape for part-time workers reveals that a medical and clinical laboratory technologist who works 24 hours a week would take home approximately $40,800 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those considering per diem opportunities, it's common to see pay rates that exceed typical staff wages by 10-25%, making such positions financially attractive in the Melbourne market. Additionally, the type of employer can play a crucial role in determining hourly rates; private practices may offer different compensation structures than large healthcare systems or community health centers. While higher hourly rates could be tempting, many professionals opt for more stable employment that includes health benefits, which may come at a lower hourly wage. Negotiation, especially for hourly positions, should emphasize both the financial and benefits aspects of the offer, ensuring that technologists can make informed decisions about their career paths in Melbourne, FL.
More salary data for Melbourne, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Melbourne in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Melbourne?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Melbourne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Melbourne?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Melbourne?
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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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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