Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Baton Rouge, LA: $27.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Baton Rouge, LA runs $27.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,560 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Baton Rouge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,540 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Baton Rouge, the hourly remuneration for medical and clinical laboratory technologists stands at $27.68, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $33.05. This disparity suggests that while opportunities abound in the area, they do not yet reflect the higher national standards. For those seeking part-time work—such as three days a week—this rate translates to approximately $1,327.84 weekly, providing a viable income for many professionals balancing other commitments. The hourly pay spans from $19.43 for entry-level positions to $42.59 for the most experienced technologists, indicating a substantial growth potential based on skills and experience. According to projections based on 2025 BLS data, these figures highlight the dynamic earning potential associated with various roles within clinical settings across Baton Rouge.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.43 | $155.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.05 | $176.40 |
| Median (P50) | $27.68 | $221.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.03 | $272.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.59 | $340.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baton Rouge
Based on $27.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.68/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baton Rouge, LA can expect to earn approximately $57,567 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,212. With a cost-of-living index of 90.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Baton Rouge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baton Rouge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,107.06 | $4,797 | $57,567 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $664.24 | $2,878 | $34,540 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.82 | $1,919 | $23,027 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Baton Rouge) | $27.68 |
| 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 Baton Rouge, LA earn a median of $57,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.26% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 5.00% below the Louisiana state average of $60,590.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.68/hr = $34,540/year (purchasing power: $38,048).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,567/year (purchasing power: $63,414).
CoL index: 90.78 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Baton Rouge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Baton Rouge grew 31.0% from $20.51/hr (2019) to $26.86/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.52/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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge
Looking beyond standard employment, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Baton Rouge often offers enticing flexibility and access to higher rates, typically ranging 10-25% above regular hourly wages. For a 24-hour workweek, a part-time technologist generating income at standard rates may take home around $69,011 annually. In contrast, the on-demand nature of agency work can attract professionals who prefer the freedom to select shifts while potentially earning higher hourly wages. Nonetheless, salary variation exists among employer types in Baton Rouge; larger healthcare organizations may offer better benefits packages that attract technologists willing to accept lower hourly wages. When considering job offers, it’s crucial to negotiate terms effectively: understanding your worth, the local market data, and the benefits versus pay can significantly impact career satisfaction and financial well-being.
More salary data for Baton Rouge, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Baton Rouge in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Baton Rouge?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Baton Rouge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Baton Rouge?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Baton Rouge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Baton Rouge. 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