Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $34.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Atlanta, GA runs $34.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,574 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,950 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in Atlanta is projected to be $34.42, slightly exceeding the national median of $33.05 per hour. This rate is beneficial for part-time and per-diem workers seeking flexible schedules, allowing them to earn while balancing other commitments. With an hourly range from $20.54 for entry-level positions to $55.35 for the top earners, these professionals can find varying opportunities that cater to different experience levels. According to 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, this hourly figure reflects the competitive nature of the field in Atlanta, where around 6,750 medical and clinical laboratory technologists are employed.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.54 | $164.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.75 | $206.00 |
| Median (P50) | $34.42 | $275.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.72 | $365.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.35 | $442.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $34.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.42/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $71,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,298. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,376.61 | $5,965 | $71,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $825.97 | $3,579 | $42,950 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $550.65 | $2,386 | $28,634 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Atlanta) | $34.42 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $71,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 8.70% above the Georgia state average of $65,845.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.42/hr = $42,950/year (purchasing power: $42,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,584/year (purchasing power: $71,542).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Atlanta grew 34.0% from $24.93/hr (2019) to $33.40/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.46/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
Analyzing the earning potential reveals that a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working part-time three days a week for 24 hours might earn approximately $41,198 annually, a significant difference from the full-time income. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Atlanta may command a premium, often ranging from 10% to 25% above standard hourly rates, making it an attractive option for those valuing autonomy over stability. Hourly compensation can also vary based on employer type in the region; medical technologists in large healthcare organizations might earn more than those employed by smaller private practices or community health centers. While higher hourly rates are appealing, many professionals weigh the benefits of health insurance and retirement plans, which often accompany traditional employment. Negotiation should focus on demonstrating value based on experience and certifications while being mindful of the local market conditions that can influence these discussions.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Atlanta. 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