Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Waukee, IA: $25.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Waukee, IA runs $25.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,491 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Waukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,097 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Waukee, Iowa, the projected medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly rate for 2026 stands at $25.72, which is considerably lower than the national median of $33.05. This disparity highlights the difference in local versus national market dynamics. For those in this profession working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a sustainable income, particularly for those balancing other commitments or family life. Per-diem workers in clinical settings can appreciate greater flexibility, leveraging their skills at an hourly rate that ranges from $16.59 at the entry level to $37.89 for seasoned professionals. It’s essential to recognize that these hourly rates are estimates derived from annual salary calculations, providing insights into earning potential across various experience levels in Waukee.
About the Waukee 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) | $16.59 | $132.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.73 | $157.86 |
| Median (P50) | $25.72 | $205.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.82 | $254.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.89 | $303.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukee
Based on $25.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.72/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukee, IA can expect to earn approximately $53,495 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,863. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,028.75 | $4,458 | $53,495 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $617.25 | $2,675 | $32,097 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.50 | $1,783 | $21,398 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Waukee) | $25.72 |
| 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 Waukee, IA earn a median of $53,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.18% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $55,895.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.72/hr = $32,097/year (purchasing power: $35,506).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,495/year (purchasing power: $59,176).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waukee grew 18.5% from $21.07/hr (2019) to $24.96/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.50/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 Waukee 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 Waukee
When considering the practical aspects of hourly work for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waukee, part-time roles typically yield a significantly lower annual income compared to full-time positions. For instance, those working a 24-hour week could see their earnings diminish relative to full-time counterparts, resulting in a lower overall take-home pay annually. However, per diem and agency positions can often provide higher pay rates, frequently running a 10-25% premium compared to regular staff wages. Hourly rates also vary by employer type; large healthcare organizations might offer more comprehensive benefits, which could lead some professionals to opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for stability and health insurance. Conversely, those prioritizing higher hourly pay might find opportunities in private practices or specialty clinics, but with less in the way of benefits. For technologists negotiating their pay, emphasizing local market conditions, individual credentials, and workload flexibility is critical to achieving favorable compensation outcomes in Waukee.
More salary data for Waukee, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waukee in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Waukee?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Waukee?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Waukee?
Related Pages
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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 Waukee. 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 Waukee 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