Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Rockford, IL: $40.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Rockford, IL runs $40.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,424 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Rockford's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,049 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rockford, Illinois, the anticipated hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $40.10, significantly surpassing the national median of $33.05. This favorable hourly rate presents a viable opportunity for both full-time and part-time professionals in various clinical settings, providing competitive compensation for those who choose to work three days a week or as per-diem staff. The range for hourly wages spans from $24.65 for entry-level positions up to $52.30 for the highest earners, reflecting the local demand for skilled technologists. Official projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that this pay scale will likely attract individuals seeking rewarding roles in healthcare facilities throughout the region.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.65 | $197.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.44 | $259.50 |
| Median (P50) | $40.10 | $320.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.64 | $325.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.30 | $418.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rockford
Based on $40.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.10/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rockford, IL can expect to earn approximately $83,415 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,124. With a cost-of-living index of 92.15 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rockford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rockford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,604.13 | $6,951 | $83,415 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $962.48 | $4,171 | $50,049 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $641.65 | $2,780 | $33,366 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Rockford) | $40.10 |
| 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 Rockford, IL earn a median of $83,424 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.37% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 14.80% above the Illinois state average of $72,669.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.10/hr = $50,049/year (purchasing power: $54,310).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,415/year (purchasing power: $90,517).
CoL index: 92.154 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+92.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Rockford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Rockford grew 81.3% from $21.47/hr (2019) to $38.92/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.32/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 Rockford 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 Rockford
When considering part-time work, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist who operates three days a week for a total of 24 hours would see substantial earnings annually, thus making this position an attractive option compared to full-time roles. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Rockford often commands a premium of 10-25% above standard staff rates, providing an additional incentive for flexible work arrangements. Hourly rates can vary considerably based on employer type; private practices tend to pay less than large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, which often offer more comprehensive benefits. Those seeking higher hourly wages should be aware that accepting a position with lower pay might include health insurance and other advantages. Negotiating based on skill sets and the typical benefits offered in Rockford can help professionals secure a compensation package that meets their financial needs while considering their long-term career goals in this noteworthy field.
More salary data for Rockford, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Rockford in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Rockford?
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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 Rockford. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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