Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Lafayette, IN: $24.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Lafayette, IN runs $24.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,406 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,245 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Lafayette, Indiana, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $24.24 in 2026, a figure that falls significantly below the national hourly median of $33.05. This rate paints a clear picture for both full-time and part-time workers within the clinical environments typical for this profession. For those considering part-time opportunities, like working three days a week, these hourly rates translate to weekly earnings that can vary considerably depending on the technician's experience level. The potential earnings range from around $19.64 for entry-level positions to as much as $40.16 for the most seasoned professionals, highlighting a notable disparity across skill levels. The data referenced here relies on projections from 2025 BLS OEWS data, offering a reliable snapshot of what to expect in the coming year.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.64 | $157.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.02 | $176.16 |
| Median (P50) | $24.24 | $193.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.43 | $275.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.16 | $321.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $24.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.24/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, IN can expect to earn approximately $50,409 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,082. With a cost-of-living index of 93.43 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $969.40 | $4,201 | $50,409 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.64 | $2,520 | $30,245 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.76 | $1,680 | $20,164 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Lafayette) | $24.24 |
| 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 Lafayette, IN earn a median of $50,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.67% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 6.10% below the Indiana state average of $53,681.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.24/hr = $30,245/year (purchasing power: $32,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,409/year (purchasing power: $53,954).
CoL index: 93.43 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lafayette grew 16.3% from $20.22/hr (2019) to $23.52/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.97/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
For part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working in Lafayette, the financial landscape varies greatly when compared to their full-time counterparts. A three-day workweek equating to 24 hours results in an annual income that is a fraction of full-time earnings, reflecting the trade-offs professionals often make. Furthermore, per diem arrangements can offer a more lucrative avenue, typically providing an hourly rate that is 10-25% higher than standard staff compensation, making per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Lafayette an attractive alternative for many. Hourly wages also fluctuate depending on the employer, with larger healthcare institutions generally offering better compensation compared to small private practices or community health settings. As technicians weigh the choice between higher hourly rates and the benefits typically provided by full-time positions, negotiation becomes essential. Seeking clarity on these various factors will empower professionals in Lafayette, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their employment in a market that prizes both skill and flexibility.
More salary data for Lafayette, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lafayette in 2026?
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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 Lafayette. 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