Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $27.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Columbus, GA runs $27.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,408 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,450 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Georgia, the hourly compensation for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist averages $27.60, which falls significantly below the national median of $33.05. This disparity highlights the different earning potentials for professionals in the region, particularly for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a part-time worker scheduled for three days a week typically earns around $26,000 annually, depending on their specific hours worked. The hourly range for technologists in Columbus extends from $17.30 at entry-level positions to $45.32 for experienced top earners, reflecting the breadth of opportunities available in clinical settings. This official data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected to 2026, provides a clear view of the financial landscape navigated by professionals in this essential field.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.30 | $138.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.52 | $164.12 |
| Median (P50) | $27.60 | $220.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.35 | $338.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.32 | $362.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $27.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.60/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $57,417 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,125. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,104.18 | $4,785 | $57,417 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $662.51 | $2,871 | $34,450 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.67 | $1,914 | $22,967 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Columbus) | $27.60 |
| 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 Columbus, GA earn a median of $57,408 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.48% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 12.80% below the Georgia state average of $65,835.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.60/hr = $34,450/year (purchasing power: $38,580).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,417/year (purchasing power: $64,300).
CoL index: 89.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbus grew 43.1% from $18.72/hr (2019) to $26.79/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.44/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Considering the financial realities of working part-time, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist who is employed three days per week for 24 hours takes home approximately $26,208 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time colleagues who enjoy the typically higher pay associated with stable employment. For those pursuing per diem opportunities, prevailing rates often include a premium of 10-25% beyond standard hourly rates, making per diem positions financially attractive. However, variations in hourly pay may occur across different settings; for example, large healthcare organizations may offer a better rate compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. Some professionals may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher rates without benefits, leading to critical negotiations. It’s advisable to understand the specifics of the employer's compensation structure when assessing job opportunities, especially in Columbus where market forces and individual credentials can significantly influence earnings.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbus 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 Columbus. 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