Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY: $32.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY runs $32.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,128 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Louisville/Jefferson County's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,276 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay reaches a median of $32.27, closely trailing the national median of $33.05 per hour. This rate supports both full-time and part-time professionals in clinical settings, illustrating how three-day workweeks can result in earnings that align with their skills and expertise. For part-time workers, this hourly rate translates into a solid income, while per-diem workers experience a flexible earning potential that often suits their lifestyle needs. The hourly wage for this occupation varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $20.48, while top earners can expect up to $49.41, reflecting the various levels of experience and specialization in medical and clinical laboratory settings. This data is derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.48 | $163.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.42 | $195.36 |
| Median (P50) | $32.27 | $258.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.24 | $337.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.41 | $395.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville/Jefferson County
Based on $32.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.27/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY can expect to earn approximately $67,126 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,727. With a cost-of-living index of 93.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville/Jefferson County
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,290.89 | $5,594 | $67,126 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $774.53 | $3,356 | $40,276 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.35 | $2,238 | $26,850 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Louisville/Jefferson County) | $32.27 |
| 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 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY earn a median of $67,128 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.34% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.90% above the Kentucky state average of $65,237.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.27/hr = $40,276/year (purchasing power: $43,273).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,126/year (purchasing power: $72,121).
CoL index: 93.074 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Louisville/Jefferson County (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 19.0% from $26.33/hr (2019) to $31.32/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.25/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 Louisville/Jefferson County 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 Louisville/Jefferson County
For a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working part-time in Louisville/Jefferson County at 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can average around $40,000 depending on specific hours worked, which illustrates a more manageable lifestyle versus full-time counterparts. Those in per diem roles can expect an enhancement in their compensation structure, with rates typically running 10-25% higher than standard staff wages. Additionally, hourly rates vary among employer types; private practices might offer different compensation compared to large healthcare organizations or community health centers. Some medical and clinical laboratory technologists might choose lower hourly rates with full-time employee benefits, while others might opt for higher hourly pay without benefits to maintain flexibility. When negotiating, it's essential for these professionals to consider the comprehensive compensation package, including health insurance options, to make informed choices about employment in Louisville/Jefferson County.
More salary data for Louisville/Jefferson County, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Louisville/Jefferson County in 2026?
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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 Louisville/Jefferson County. 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, 7-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