Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $25.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Muscatine, IA runs $25.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,325 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in Muscatine, Iowa, is projected to reach $25.10. This figure is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.05, which may influence the decision-making of potential job seekers in the area. The hourly pay ranges from $17.37 for entry-level positions to $38.14 for the highest earners, creating a spectrum of earning potential that can accommodate various work schedules. For part-time workers or those in per-diem roles, such as those typically seen in clinical settings, this means that a 24-hour work week (about three days) could yield around $604.80, providing flexibility while still generating steady income through hourly compensation.
About the Muscatine 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) | $17.37 | $138.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.06 | $160.50 |
| Median (P50) | $25.10 | $200.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.83 | $254.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.14 | $305.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $25.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.10/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $52,209 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,121. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,004.02 | $4,351 | $52,209 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $602.41 | $2,610 | $31,325 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.61 | $1,740 | $20,884 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Muscatine) | $25.10 |
| 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 Muscatine, IA earn a median of $52,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.03% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $55,907.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.10/hr = $31,325/year (purchasing power: $34,652).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,209/year (purchasing power: $57,753).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Muscatine grew 18.5% from $20.56/hr (2019) to $24.36/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.86/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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine
Looking deeper into the earning dynamics of medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Muscatine, part-time employees working three days a week might earn approximately $31,481 annually. In contrast, full-time workers could approach nearly $52,218 annually if they choose the more traditional route. For those in per-diem roles, the compensation often comes with a premium of 10-25% over standard staff pay, making it an appealing option for many professionals. Variations in pay rates are typical across different employer types within Muscatine; positions in private practices may offer lower salaries compared to those in large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. Additionally, accepting a lower hourly wage often means access to benefits such as health insurance, something that can weigh heavily in salary negotiations. Those looking to enter this field should consider these factors and negotiate their hourly rate based on the type of employer and the benefits offered.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Muscatine in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Muscatine?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Muscatine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Muscatine?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Muscatine?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Muscatine. 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 Muscatine 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