Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Hammond, LA: $25.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Hammond, LA runs $25.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,901 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.5, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,341 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Hammond, Louisiana, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay sits at a median of $25.91, which is significantly lower than the national median of $33.05. This hourly rate affects not just full-time workers but also part-time and per-diem professionals who may work three days a week in hospital or clinical settings. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $19.32 per hour, while those at the top of the scale can earn as much as $39.24. The data reflects projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS information, indicating that while compensation in Hammond is competitive, it still lags behind national trends, creating unique considerations for local job seekers in this field.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.32 | $154.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.30 | $186.38 |
| Median (P50) | $25.91 | $207.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.36 | $258.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.24 | $313.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $25.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.91/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, LA can expect to earn approximately $53,902 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,097. With a cost-of-living index of 84.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,036.58 | $4,492 | $53,902 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $621.95 | $2,695 | $32,341 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.63 | $1,797 | $21,561 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Hammond) | $25.91 |
| 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 Hammond, LA earn a median of $53,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.58% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 11.10% below the Louisiana state average of $60,631.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.91/hr = $32,341/year (purchasing power: $38,292).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,902/year (purchasing power: $63,820).
CoL index: 84.46 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-13.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Hammond grew -18.9% from $31.00/hr (2019) to $25.15/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.70/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
Considering the earning potential, part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working 24 hours a week may still find annual compensation appealing, albeit lower than their full-time counterparts. In Hammond, many professionals opt for per diem roles, as these positions often offer a premium of 10-25% above standard staff pay while providing flexibility. Compensation can also differ based on the employer—private practices, large healthcare organizations, and specialty clinics all have varying budgets, impacting hourly pay rates. Some technologists may accept lower compensation in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prefer higher hourly wages without the perks. For optimal negotiation, awareness of the local job market and a clear understanding of the financial implications of benefits versus direct pay can empower technologists in Hammond to secure favorable terms.
More salary data for Hammond, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Hammond in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Hammond?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Hammond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Hammond?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Hammond?
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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 Hammond. 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