Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Portage, IN: $24.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Portage, IN runs $24.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,860 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Portage's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,120 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Portage, Indiana, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $24.94 for 2026. This rate sits significantly below the national hourly median of $33.05, suggesting that professionals in this area may face lower compensation compared to their counterparts elsewhere in the country. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, this hourly rate translates to earnings that may not fully align with the financial demands typical of clinical settings. The hourly range for technologists in Portage varies from an entry-level pay at $16.09, increasing to a top-tier earnings potential of $38.65. These figures reflect estimates derived from annual salary data, highlighting the varying financial landscape for employers in the region.
About the Portage Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.09 | $128.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.12 | $152.99 |
| Median (P50) | $24.94 | $199.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.91 | $255.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.65 | $309.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portage
Based on $24.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.94/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portage, IN can expect to earn approximately $51,866 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,923. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Portage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $997.43 | $4,322 | $51,866 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.46 | $2,593 | $31,120 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.97 | $1,729 | $20,746 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Portage) | $24.94 |
| 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 Portage, IN earn a median of $51,860 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.55% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.40% below the Indiana state average of $53,685.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.94/hr = $31,120/year (purchasing power: $34,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,866/year (purchasing power: $56,809).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Portage grew 18.5% from $20.43/hr (2019) to $24.20/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.69/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 Portage 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 Portage
When analyzing the part-time earning potential in Portage, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could earn around $31,643 annually, a figure much lower than a full-time employee's earnings. Per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Portage can offer additional options, with rates often running 10-25% higher than standard W-2 positions, allowing for greater flexibility. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer, including private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics. Understanding the benefits trade-off is crucial; while some technologists might accept lower hourly rates for job security and health insurance, others may prefer higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates in Portage, bringing market data and emphasizing specialized training or certifications can be vital in securing a better compensation package.
More salary data for Portage, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Portage in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Portage?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Portage paid hourly or salary?
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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 Portage. 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 Portage 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