Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Marion, IA: $26.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Marion, IA runs $26.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,977 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Marion's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,984 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Marion, Iowa, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly rate of $26.43, which falls below the national average of $33.05 per hour. For professionals who may opt for part-time work, such as those operating three days a week, this hourly rate translates into meaningful income while still allowing for flexibility. The hourly range spans from $16.42 for entry-level positions to $40.82 for top earners, indicating the potential for upward mobility and specialization. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data, which help clarify what you can expect in a clinical setting, whether you're working on a per-diem basis or as a full-time staff member.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Iowa 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) | $16.42 | $131.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.82 | $158.60 |
| Median (P50) | $26.43 | $211.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.67 | $269.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.82 | $326.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marion
Based on $26.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.43/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marion, IA can expect to earn approximately $54,974 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,716. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Marion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,057.19 | $4,581 | $54,974 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $634.31 | $2,749 | $32,984 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.88 | $1,832 | $21,990 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Marion) | $26.43 |
| 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 Marion, IA earn a median of $54,977 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.01% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.70% below the Iowa state average of $55,928.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.43/hr = $32,984/year (purchasing power: $36,487).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,974/year (purchasing power: $60,812).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Marion grew 18.5% from $21.65/hr (2019) to $25.65/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.23/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 Marion 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 Marion
Exploring the compensation dynamics of medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Marion reveals various earning potentials depending on employment type. For those working part-time, a 24-hour weekly schedule can yield an annual take-home amount significantly lower than full-time colleagues, reflecting the disparities in commitment levels. Per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Marion typically allows for higher earnings, ranging 10-25% above standard W-2 rates based on local agency pay structures. Different employer types—including private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics—create a varied landscape of hourly rates and benefits packages. Some professionals might choose positions offering stability, such as health insurance, even if it means accepting a lower hourly wage, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, it's advisable to consider factors like job security, benefits, and overall work-life balance, especially in Marion's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Marion, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Marion in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Marion?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Marion paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Marion?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Marion?
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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 Marion. 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 Marion 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