Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Central, LA: $28.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Central, LA runs $28.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,233 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Central's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,939 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central, Louisiana, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly rate of $28.00, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.05. This hourly rate reflects the typical pay range for part-time workers who often find themselves employed in clinical settings, frequently working three days a week. Within this profession, hourly earnings can range from $18.55 for entry-level positions to as much as $43.39 for experienced technologists. These projections, derived from 2025 BLS data and indicative of expected trends in 2026, underscore the varied earning potential tied to experience and specialization in the field.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.55 | $148.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.92 | $175.33 |
| Median (P50) | $28.00 | $223.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.84 | $286.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.39 | $347.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central
Based on $28.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.00/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central, LA can expect to earn approximately $58,232 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,595. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Central.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,119.84 | $4,853 | $58,232 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $671.90 | $2,912 | $34,939 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.94 | $1,941 | $23,293 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Central) | $28.00 |
| 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 Central, LA earn a median of $58,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.28% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $60,596.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.00/hr = $34,939/year (purchasing power: $38,692).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,232/year (purchasing power: $64,487).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Central grew 18.5% from $22.93/hr (2019) to $27.17/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.85/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 Central 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 Central
For those considering part-time work as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist, the financial implications can be significant. A three-day work schedule, averaging around 24 hours a week, would yield an annual income considerably lower than that of a full-time employee. Furthermore, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Central typically commands a 10-25% premium over standard staff wages, depending on market demand and the specific organization. Hourly rates can also differ based on employer type; private practices may offer lower compensation compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that provide comprehensive benefits. Those in the field should weigh the trade-offs between accepting a higher hourly rate without benefits versus a lower rate that includes necessary health insurance. Effective negotiation strategies are essential for hourly workers in Central; understanding local market conditions and showcasing one's credentials can significantly enhance compensation discussions.
More salary data for Central, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Central. 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 Central 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