Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $33.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Plainfield, IL runs $33.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,295 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,179 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in Plainfield, Illinois, is projected to be $33.80, which is slightly higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.05. This rate reflects the estimated compensation for both full-time and part-time workers in various clinical settings, such as hospitals and laboratories. For part-time professionals working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this hourly wage can still provide a substantial income, particularly when considering the state's relatively low cost of living index of 97.1. Entry-level technologists can expect to start in the hourly range of about $22.74, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $52.39 per hour, indicating a significant earning potential as one advances in their career.
About the Plainfield 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) | $22.74 | $181.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.72 | $213.75 |
| Median (P50) | $33.80 | $270.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.26 | $346.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.39 | $419.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $33.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.80/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $70,298 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,557. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,351.88 | $5,858 | $70,298 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $811.13 | $3,515 | $42,179 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $540.75 | $2,343 | $28,119 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Plainfield) | $33.80 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $70,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.27% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $72,694.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.80/hr = $42,179/year (purchasing power: $43,439).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,298/year (purchasing power: $72,398).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Plainfield grew 18.5% from $27.69/hr (2019) to $32.80/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.82/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Exploring the potential earnings for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Plainfield reveals that part-time workers earning $33.80 per hour, when calculated over the course of a year, bring home a noteworthy amount despite not maintaining a full-time schedule. Agency and per diem positions, which can charge higher rates that typically reflect a 10-25% premium over standard pay, are appealing for those seeking flexibility or supplemental income. Different employer types can also influence compensation; those employed in large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics may see higher rates compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. Additionally, many professionals face a trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance and retirement plans. For those in hourly positions, negotiating for better rates can be effective, especially by demonstrating the value of their skills in an increasingly competitive job market in Plainfield, IL.
More salary data for Plainfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Plainfield?
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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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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