Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Fort Wayne, IN: $25.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Fort Wayne, IN runs $25.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,148 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Fort Wayne's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,878 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Wayne, Indiana, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $25.54 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.05, highlighting a regional pay gap for this profession. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, the earnings can be manageable but less than full-time colleagues, impacting annual income significantly. Entry-level positions can expect to earn approximately $20.07 per hour, while seasoned technologists at the top of the pay scale may see rates as high as $42.57. These statistics, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected into 2026, offer essential insight for both current professionals and those entering this critical healthcare field in Fort Wayne.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.07 | $160.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.00 | $168.00 |
| Median (P50) | $25.54 | $204.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.33 | $258.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.57 | $340.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Wayne
Based on $25.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.54/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Wayne, IN can expect to earn approximately $53,131 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,652. With a cost-of-living index of 92.57 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Wayne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Wayne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,021.74 | $4,428 | $53,131 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $613.05 | $2,657 | $31,878 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.70 | $1,771 | $21,252 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Fort Wayne) | $25.54 |
| 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 Fort Wayne, IN earn a median of $53,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.68% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.00% below the Indiana state average of $53,685.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.54/hr = $31,878/year (purchasing power: $34,436).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,131/year (purchasing power: $57,394).
CoL index: 92.572 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Fort Wayne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Fort Wayne grew 9.8% from $22.57/hr (2019) to $24.79/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.32/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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne
The earning potential for a part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist who works 24 hours a week amounts to about $31,476 annually, starkly contrasting with full-time salaries. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Fort Wayne often carries a 10-25% premium compared to standard rates. This can lead to more significant compensation opportunities, especially within private practices or specialty clinics, as these settings might offer higher hourly rates. However, the trade-offs can be substantial, with some professionals opting for positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits. Negotiating effectively is crucial; highlighting specific skills or certifications relevant to various employer types—such as large healthcare organizations or community health centers—can be advantageous in securing better pay arrangements in Fort Wayne. It’s essential to understand these dynamics to make informed career choices in this vibrant city.
More salary data for Fort Wayne, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Fort Wayne in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Fort Wayne?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Fort Wayne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Fort Wayne?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Wayne?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Indiana
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 Fort Wayne. 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