Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in South Bend, IN: $27.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in South Bend, IN runs $27.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,030 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against South Bend's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,810 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In South Bend, Indiana, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $27.89 in 2026, distinguishing it from the national hourly median of $33.05. This difference highlights the local economic factors influencing wages and what this rate translates to for part-time and per diem workers in clinical settings. For those working three days a week, earning $27.89 per hour equates to roughly $1,738 each month before taxes. The hourly pay range in South Bend stretches from $20.80 for entry-level positions (10th percentile) to $44.12 for the highest earners (90th percentile), encapsulating a wide spectrum of earning potential across different roles and experiences in the field. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, provide a clear snapshot of the compensation landscape for this essential profession.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.80 | $166.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.09 | $192.73 |
| Median (P50) | $27.89 | $223.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.33 | $282.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.12 | $352.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Bend
Based on $27.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.89/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Bend, IN can expect to earn approximately $58,017 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,472. With a cost-of-living index of 92.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Bend.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Bend
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,115.72 | $4,835 | $58,017 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $669.43 | $2,901 | $34,810 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $446.29 | $1,934 | $23,207 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (South Bend) | $27.89 |
| 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 South Bend, IN earn a median of $58,030 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.57% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 8.10% above the Indiana state average of $53,682.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.89/hr = $34,810/year (purchasing power: $37,488).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,017/year (purchasing power: $62,480).
CoL index: 92.858 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in South Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Bend grew 31.9% from $20.52/hr (2019) to $27.07/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.74/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 South Bend 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 South Bend
Examining a part-time schedule of three days per week, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist would earn around $20,856 annually, a stark contrast to their full-time counterparts. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in South Bend often reflects a premium that can range from 10% to 25% over typical hourly rates, attracting professionals who value flexibility or want to avoid commitment to a single employer. It's important to note how hourly rates can vary significantly among employers in South Bend, including private practices, larger healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics, each likely offering different compensation packages. Some professionals opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as healthcare coverage, while others prioritize higher pay without those perks. For those negotiating their hourly rate, being knowledgeable about local market standards and the added value of benefits can empower them to make informed choices about their career trajectory in this crucial field.
More salary data for South Bend, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 South Bend. 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