Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Carol Stream, IL: $33.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Carol Stream, IL runs $33.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,487 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Carol Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,295 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Carol Stream, Illinois, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect a median hourly rate of $33.89, which slightly exceeds the national median of $33.05. This pay level provides an appealing option for part-time workers who typically operate within clinical settings, making it feasible to earn a respectable income while working just three days a week. The hourly wage ranges from $20.31 for entry-level positions to $52.53 for those at the top of their field, allowing for variability based on experience, credentials, and specific job responsibilities. These figures offer a practical benchmark, as they are derived from annual salary data and reflect the market dynamics specific to the region.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.31 | $162.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.90 | $215.23 |
| Median (P50) | $33.89 | $271.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.38 | $347.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.53 | $420.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carol Stream
Based on $33.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.89/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carol Stream, IL can expect to earn approximately $70,491 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,668. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carol Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carol Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,355.59 | $5,874 | $70,491 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $813.36 | $3,525 | $42,295 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $542.24 | $2,350 | $28,196 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Carol Stream) | $33.89 |
| 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 Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $70,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.55% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $72,667.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.89/hr = $42,295/year (purchasing power: $43,558).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,491/year (purchasing power: $72,596).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Carol Stream grew 18.5% from $27.76/hr (2019) to $32.89/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.92/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 Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream
Evaluating part-time opportunities, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Carol Stream working 24 hours a week could bring home around $42,000 annually, a contrasting figure compared to full-time colleagues who typically earn closer to $70,487. For those interested in flexibility, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Carol Stream can attract a premium—often between 10% to 25% above standard hourly rates—making it lucrative for those needing variable scheduling. Hourly compensation also varies depending on the type of employer, with larger healthcare organizations usually providing better benefits compared to private practices or specialty clinics, which may offer higher pay but less in the way of health insurance. The trade-off between hourly pay and benefits is a critical consideration for many technologists, pushing some to negotiate for better terms based on personal circumstances. To ensure optimal outcomes, negotiating for hourly compensation should take into account the overall benefits package in relation to market rates.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Carol Stream in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Carol Stream?
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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 Carol Stream. 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 Carol Stream 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