Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Wheaton, IL: $34.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Wheaton, IL runs $34.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,451 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,873 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Illinois, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly pay of $34.35, which surpasses the national median of $33.05. This competitive hourly rate is particularly advantageous for part-time professionals, who may work approximately three days a week and still reap significant earnings, especially in clinical settings where demand for their expertise is steady. The hourly compensation for these technologists ranges from $22.34 at the entry-level to $53.24 for top earners, reflecting a healthy variance that corresponds to experience and skill sets. These figures derive from projected annual salary estimates, offering a comprehensive understanding of earning potential based on a per-hour basis.
About the Wheaton 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) | $22.34 | $178.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.58 | $212.67 |
| Median (P50) | $34.35 | $274.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.97 | $351.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.24 | $425.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $34.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.35/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, IL can expect to earn approximately $71,455 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,224. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,374.14 | $5,955 | $71,455 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $824.48 | $3,573 | $42,873 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $549.66 | $2,382 | $28,582 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Wheaton) | $34.35 |
| 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 Wheaton, IL earn a median of $71,451 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $72,687.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.35/hr = $42,873/year (purchasing power: $44,154).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,455/year (purchasing power: $73,589).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Wheaton grew 18.5% from $28.14/hr (2019) to $33.34/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.40/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Shifting focus to part-time opportunities, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist who opts for a 24-hour weekly schedule stands to earn a solid income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem positions and agency roles often provide a financial incentive, with rates running 10-25% higher than staff salaries, making them an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. In Wheaton, the nature of the employer—whether a private practice, a large healthcare organization, or a community health center—can greatly influence hourly pay rates. While some technologists may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher hourly pay without benefits. For those looking to negotiate their hourly rates, it's crucial to be aware of the local market benchmarks and to convey the value of their certifications and experience effectively when discussing compensation options.
More salary data for Wheaton, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Wheaton in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Wheaton?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Wheaton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Wheaton?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Wheaton?
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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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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