Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Independence, KY: $31.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Independence, KY runs $31.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,721 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,835 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Independence, KY, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect a median hourly pay of $31.12, which positions them slightly below the national hourly median of $33.05. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this salary allows for a stable income while balancing work and personal commitments. Per-diem workers in this field typically benefit from flexibility, often earning within a range from $19.84 at the entry level to around $48.23 for more experienced technologists. The variety of settings, from hospitals to private practices, contributes to this range, indicating that higher earnings might be associated with more specialized or larger healthcare institutions.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.84 | $158.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.69 | $189.51 |
| Median (P50) | $31.12 | $248.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.82 | $318.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.23 | $385.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $31.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.12/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, KY can expect to earn approximately $64,726 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,342. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.72 | $5,394 | $64,726 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.83 | $3,236 | $38,835 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.89 | $2,158 | $25,890 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Independence) | $31.12 |
| 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 Independence, KY earn a median of $64,721 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.84% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $65,243.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.12/hr = $38,835/year (purchasing power: $43,489).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,726/year (purchasing power: $72,481).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Independence grew 18.5% from $25.49/hr (2019) to $30.20/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.06/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 Independence 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 Independence
For those opting for part-time roles equating to approximately 24 hours per week, the annual pay translates to around $38,554 gross, which is significantly less than a full-time technician's salary, yet still offers an appealing path for work-life balance. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Independence often reflects a premium, with many agencies offering rates upwards of 10-25% more than typical staff positions. Hourly rates vary depending on the employer type; private practices might offer lower compensation, while large healthcare organizations generally provide better pay and benefits. Many technologists weigh the advantages of health insurance and job stability against a higher hourly rate that lacks additional perks. When negotiating, it is crucial to understand the local market dynamics and be prepared to advocate for competitive compensation, considering the overall employment package rather than just base pay.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Independence?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Independence?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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