Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $39.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Hilo, HI runs $39.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,480 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,483 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn an estimated hourly median pay of $39.65, significantly surpassing the national median of $33.05. This attractive hourly rate allows for attractive earnings, particularly for part-time professionals working three days a week in clinical settings, where 24 to 30 hours per week is common. Per diem workers in this field can expect to earn even more, as their pay may rise due to the premium associated with flexible staffing. The hourly wage ranges from $25.64 at the lower percentile to $61.46 for the highest earners, showcasing a broad spectrum of compensation opportunities based on experience and position level.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.64 | $205.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.45 | $243.59 |
| Median (P50) | $39.65 | $317.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.76 | $406.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.46 | $491.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $39.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.65/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $82,472 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,580. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,585.99 | $6,873 | $82,472 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $951.60 | $4,124 | $49,483 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.40 | $2,749 | $32,989 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Hilo) | $39.65 |
| 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 Hilo, HI earn a median of $82,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.00% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $86,913.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.65/hr = $49,483/year (purchasing power: $41,478).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,472/year (purchasing power: $69,130).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Hilo grew 18.5% from $32.48/hr (2019) to $38.48/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.86/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 Hilo 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 Hilo
When considering part-time work, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Hilo earning a median hourly salary can take home around $49,000 annually by working just three days a week. This is a distinct earning potential compared to full-time positions that typically offer more stability but may come with lower hourly rates. Per-diem and agency positions often yield 10-25% higher hourly rates, though these typically lack the benefits associated with full-time employment. Employers in Hilo, ranging from large healthcare organizations to community health centers and specialty clinics, provide varying pay rates that can influence the overall compensation package. Many technologists must weigh the immediate higher hourly wages against the value of job stability and benefits offered in traditional roles. Negotiation remains key; those beginning to work must advocate for their worth amidst a competitive market, understanding the nuances of employer types and regional pay rates in HI.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Hilo in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Hilo?
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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 Hilo. 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 Hilo 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