Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Tampa, FL: $32.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Tampa, FL runs $32.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,319 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Tampa's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,983 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tampa, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $32.84 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $33.05. For professionals working part-time or per diem, this pay translates into a steady income, particularly in clinical settings where flexibility is key. Entry-level technologists can earn around $19.70 per hour, allowing them to gain valuable experience, while top earners in Tampa can command rates as high as $51.81 per hour. These figures are derived from official data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a reliable forecast of compensation in this growing field.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.70 | $157.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.95 | $175.58 |
| Median (P50) | $32.84 | $262.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.94 | $335.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.81 | $414.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tampa
Based on $32.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.84/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tampa, FL can expect to earn approximately $68,305 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,407. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tampa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tampa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,313.55 | $5,692 | $68,305 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $788.13 | $3,415 | $40,983 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $525.42 | $2,277 | $27,322 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Tampa) | $32.84 |
| 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 Tampa, FL earn a median of $68,319 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.60% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 7.00% above the Florida state average of $63,849.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.84/hr = $40,983/year (purchasing power: $40,621).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,305/year (purchasing power: $67,702).
CoL index: 100.89 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Tampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Tampa grew 36.8% from $23.30/hr (2019) to $31.87/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.84/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 Tampa 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 Tampa
For those considering part-time opportunities as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Tampa, working just three days a week could yield an annual take-home pay significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, impacting financial stability. The realities of per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Tampa often reflect a premium of 10-25% above standard wages, attracting many professionals seeking flexibility. Hourly rates can differ based on employer types, with private practices often offering lower pay than larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, which may provide higher wages but expect longer hours. Many technologists must navigate the trade-off between a higher hourly wage without benefits and a somewhat lower rate that includes health insurance and other perks. Negotiating strategies in Tampa could include emphasizing relevant skills and certifications to ensure a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Tampa, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Tampa in 2026?
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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 Tampa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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