Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Waterloo, IA: $25.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Waterloo, IA runs $25.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Waterloo's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.1, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,325 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waterloo, Iowa, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay stands at $25.10, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.05. This discrepancy highlights the localized job market for healthcare professionals in the area and can affect those seeking part-time and per-diem opportunities. For instance, the pay rate is advantageous for part-time workers operating three days a week, averaging around 72 hours a month, thereby providing a substantial yet manageable income stream. Entry-level positions in this field can expect to earn approximately $20.01 per hour, while top earners in the Waterloo area could see compensation reach up to $38.65 per hour. This data comes from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, offering insights into the evolving compensation standards for this vital healthcare role.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.01 | $160.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.42 | $163.38 |
| Median (P50) | $25.10 | $200.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.07 | $256.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.65 | $309.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterloo
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 Waterloo, 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 87.06 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterloo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterloo
| 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 (Waterloo) | $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 Waterloo, IA earn a median of $52,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.04% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $55,898.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.10/hr = $31,325/year (purchasing power: $35,983).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,209/year (purchasing power: $59,971).
CoL index: 87.057 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.89/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 Waterloo grew 5.8% from $23.03/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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo
When evaluating part-time earnings, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working three days a week, or roughly 24 hours a week, can expect to bring in about $31,176 annually. This is considerably less than what a full-time professional would achieve, but it offers a flexible schedule often preferred by those with other commitments. For those exploring per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Waterloo, agency rates typically range 10-25% higher than standard staff wages due to the flexibility and immediate availability they offer. Different types of employers in the area—ranging from private practices to community health centers—can lead to varying pay scales. Some technologists may opt for positions with lower pay to secure benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize hourly wages over benefits. When seeking jobs, professionals should know the local rates and negotiate based on their skills and type of employment to maximize their earnings potential.
More salary data for Waterloo, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waterloo in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Waterloo?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waterloo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Waterloo?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Waterloo?
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 Waterloo. 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, 6-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