Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $33.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Downers Grove, IL runs $33.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,358 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,613 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Downers Grove, Illinois, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $33.34, slightly above the national hourly median of $33.05. This pay scale accommodates both full-time workers and those pursuing part-time roles, offering the possibility for individuals working three days a week to earn a competitive wage in clinical settings. The hourly earnings for these professionals in Downers Grove range from $21.85 at the entry-level (P10) to $51.68 for top earners (P90), providing a broad spectrum of income based on experience and qualifications. It is crucial to note that these hourly rates are derived from the projected annual salary figures, allowing potential workers to gauge the financial viability of a career in this field.
About the Downers Grove 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) | $21.85 | $174.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.82 | $206.57 |
| Median (P50) | $33.34 | $266.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.68 | $341.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.68 | $413.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $33.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.34/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $69,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,012. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,333.75 | $5,780 | $69,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $800.25 | $3,468 | $41,613 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $533.50 | $2,312 | $27,742 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Downers Grove) | $33.34 |
| 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 Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $69,358 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.91% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $72,703.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.34/hr = $41,613/year (purchasing power: $42,856).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,355/year (purchasing power: $71,426).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Downers Grove grew 18.5% from $27.32/hr (2019) to $32.36/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.36/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 Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove
Part-time positions can be particularly attractive for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, especially those choosing to work an average of 24 hours per week. This arrangement would yield an annual income significantly lower than full-time colleagues, yet it allows for valuable flexibility. Additionally, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Downers Grove can be quite lucrative, often offering a premium of 10-25% above standard hourly rates, which makes it a compelling option for those in the profession. Variations in hourly compensation also stem from the type of employer, with private practices typically averaging lower hourly rates compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that may offer enhanced benefits. Some technologists may accept lower hourly pay for job security and health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay with agency roles, thus foregoing traditional benefits. Understanding these dynamics, including negotiation strategies, can help professionals secure the best possible compensation within this evolving market in Downers Grove, IL.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Downers Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Downers Grove?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Downers Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Downers Grove?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Downers Grove?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Downers Grove. 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 Downers Grove 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