Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $29.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Murray, KY runs $29.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,018 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,611 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Kentucky, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay aligns with the local job market and its unique economic conditions. Currently projected for 2026, the median hourly rate stands at $29.34, positioning it below the national average of $33.05. This hourly rate is meaningful for those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, or those pursuing per-diem opportunities within clinical settings. For entry-level technologists just starting their careers, pay can begin around $20.41 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $44.71 per hour, offering a diverse range of earnings based on experience and the specific nature of the workplace.
About the Murray 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) | $20.41 | $163.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.49 | $187.94 |
| Median (P50) | $29.34 | $234.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.23 | $297.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.71 | $357.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $29.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.34/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $61,018 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,203. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,173.42 | $5,085 | $61,018 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.05 | $3,051 | $36,611 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.37 | $2,034 | $24,407 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Murray) | $29.34 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $61,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.23% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $65,260.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.34/hr = $36,611/year (purchasing power: $40,997).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,018/year (purchasing power: $68,329).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Murray grew 18.5% from $24.03/hr (2019) to $28.47/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.23/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 Murray 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 Murray
Compensation strategies for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Murray vary significantly based on the type of employer, affecting overall earning potential. For example, a part-time technologist working 24 hours a week at the median rate could expect to earn approximately $45,663 annually, compared to a full-time role, which is generally more favorable for benefits. Those opting for per-diem roles might see a 10-25% premium over standard pay rates, reflecting the flexibility and demand for on-call positions. In private practices, large healthcare organizations, and specialized clinics, hourly wages can differ, driven by organizational budget, location, and required credentials. Understanding the trade-offs between slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for essential benefits like health insurance can inform decision-making for technologists in Murray. Effective negotiation tactics, such as emphasizing relevant experience or certification and exploring additional benefits that may not be immediately apparent, can prove beneficial in securing a favorable pay rate in this competitive field.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Murray in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Murray?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Murray paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Murray?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Murray?
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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 Murray. 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 Murray 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