Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Crystal Lake, IL: $33.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Crystal Lake, IL runs $33.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,228 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Crystal Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,536 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Crystal Lake, Illinois, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly rate of $33.28, slightly above the national median of $33.05. This competitive pay makes the role appealing for both full-time and part-time workers, with many part-timers working three days a week in clinical settings and earning a stable income while enjoying greater schedule flexibility. For entry-level positions, hourly rates typically start around $21.71, while experienced professionals can command as much as $51.59, reflecting a significant income potential for those investing in further specialized training or certifications. These estimates are based on annual data, but they provide a solid insight into the expected pay scale for this profession in the region.
About the Crystal Lake 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) | $21.71 | $173.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.70 | $205.59 |
| Median (P50) | $33.28 | $266.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.61 | $340.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.59 | $412.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Crystal Lake
Based on $33.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.28/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Crystal Lake, IL can expect to earn approximately $69,226 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,938. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Crystal Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Crystal Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,331.28 | $5,769 | $69,226 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $798.77 | $3,461 | $41,536 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $532.51 | $2,308 | $27,691 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Crystal Lake) | $33.28 |
| 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 Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $69,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.72% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $72,719.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.28/hr = $41,536/year (purchasing power: $42,776).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,226/year (purchasing power: $71,294).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Crystal Lake grew 18.5% from $27.26/hr (2019) to $32.30/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.29/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 Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists reveals interesting dynamics. A professional working a standard three-day week, amounting to about 24 hours, could take home approximately $41,350 annually, which is significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. Per diem positions tend to offer higher hourly rates, often 10-25% above staff wages, making them an attractive option for those looking to maximize earnings on their schedule. Moreover, hourly rates can vary according to the type of employer—private practices may offer different compensation compared to large healthcare organizations or community health centers. While some may opt for lower hourly pay to secure benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher rates without benefits for immediate cash flow. For those negotiating pay in Crystal Lake, it's wise to consider not just the hourly rate but also the overall compensation package, including benefits, to make informed career decisions.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Crystal Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Crystal Lake?
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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 Crystal Lake. 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 Crystal Lake 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