Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Waukegan, IL: $35.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Waukegan, IL runs $35.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,804 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Waukegan's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,683 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waukegan, IL, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $35.00, which exceeds the national hourly median of $33.05. This rate presents a favorable financial outlook for part-time and per-diem workers, as those employed three days a week would still generate a respectable income in clinical settings. The hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $21.02, while experienced technologists can earn as much as $54.25 per hour, reflecting the broader salary range from $43,716 to $112,846. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on earning potential within this profession in Waukegan.
About the Waukegan 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) | $21.02 | $168.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.77 | $206.16 |
| Median (P50) | $35.00 | $280.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.80 | $358.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.25 | $434.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukegan
Based on $35.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.00/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukegan, IL can expect to earn approximately $72,806 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,003. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukegan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukegan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,400.11 | $6,067 | $72,806 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $840.06 | $3,640 | $43,683 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $560.04 | $2,427 | $29,122 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Waukegan) | $35.00 |
| 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 Waukegan, IL earn a median of $72,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.92% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $72,731.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.00/hr = $43,683/year (purchasing power: $44,988).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,806/year (purchasing power: $74,980).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waukegan grew 18.5% from $28.67/hr (2019) to $33.97/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.07/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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan
For part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working 24 hours a week, the annual income would be substantially less compared to full-time colleagues, emphasizing the need for careful financial planning. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Waukegan typically commands a premium ranging from 10-25% above standard staff rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. Employment types vary in compensation as well; private practices might offer lower rates compared to large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that can afford higher pay, especially for seasoned technologists. As individuals weigh options, those accepting lower hourly wages may benefit from employer-provided health insurance, while others may prefer the higher pay of per diem roles, which often lack benefits. When negotiating hourly pay, professionals in Waukegan should highlight their credentials and experience to secure the best possible rates in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waukegan in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Waukegan?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waukegan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Waukegan?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Waukegan?
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 Waukegan. 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 Waukegan 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