Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Lafayette, LA: $25.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Lafayette, LA runs $25.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,688 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,608 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lafayette, Louisiana are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $25.33 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $33.05 per hour. For part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week, this rate translates into an annual income that may not fully cover living expenses, particularly in a region with a cost of living index below the national average. Entry-level positions start at approximately $16.38 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $43.23 per hour. This official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) serves as a crucial benchmark for assessing compensation trends within the healthcare sector, particularly in clinical settings where laboratory technologists spend most of their working hours.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.38 | $131.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.97 | $159.75 |
| Median (P50) | $25.33 | $202.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.64 | $269.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.23 | $345.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $25.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.33/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, LA can expect to earn approximately $52,681 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,393. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,013.09 | $4,390 | $52,681 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $607.85 | $2,634 | $31,608 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.24 | $1,756 | $21,072 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Lafayette) | $25.33 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA earn a median of $52,688 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.35% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 13.10% below the Louisiana state average of $60,631.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.33/hr = $31,608/year (purchasing power: $36,244).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,681/year (purchasing power: $60,407).
CoL index: 87.209 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lafayette grew 28.2% from $19.18/hr (2019) to $24.58/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.10/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
When exploring the actual compensation landscape for part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists, those working 24 hours a week may take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts, making financial planning essential. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Lafayette often reflects a premium of 10-25% over standard hourly wages, allowing for flexibility that some may prefer. Hourly pay also varies by employer type, with larger healthcare organizations typically offering more robust benefits that can offset potentially lower hourly rates compared to small private practices or specialty clinics that may offer higher pay but fewer benefits. Many technologists must weigh these trade-offs when negotiating their pay. Understanding these dynamics is key for professionals in Lafayette seeking to maximize their earnings, especially by making informed choices about where they work and the kind of employment arrangements they pursue.
More salary data for Lafayette, 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 Lafayette. 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, 6-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