Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Metairie, LA: $29.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Metairie, LA runs $29.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,882 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Metairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,534 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Metairie, Louisiana, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist commands a median hourly pay of $29.27, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $33.05. This wage reflects the local cost of living and the relatively small employment market for professionals in this field. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, the hourly pay can offer flexibility while still providing decent compensation. The hourly wage spans from $16.98 for entry-level positions up to $45.37 for the most experienced technologists, showcasing the potential for salary growth within the profession based on skill level and experience. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, translating into effective wages for professionals working in both clinical and specialized settings across Metairie.
About the Metairie 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) | $16.98 | $135.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.80 | $182.42 |
| Median (P50) | $29.27 | $234.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.47 | $299.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.37 | $362.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Metairie
Based on $29.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.27/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Metairie, LA can expect to earn approximately $60,889 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,128. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Metairie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Metairie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,170.95 | $5,074 | $60,889 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.57 | $3,044 | $36,534 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.38 | $2,030 | $24,356 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Metairie) | $29.27 |
| 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 Metairie, LA earn a median of $60,882 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.42% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.40% above the Louisiana state average of $60,640.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.27/hr = $36,534/year (purchasing power: $40,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,889/year (purchasing power: $67,430).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Metairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Metairie grew 18.5% from $23.98/hr (2019) to $28.41/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.16/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 Metairie 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 Metairie
Considering a part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist schedule brings unique earning dynamics when compared to full-time employment. Working 24 hours per week can lead to an annual take-home amount that, while lower than full-time salaries, can still provide a manageable living for those balancing other commitments. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Metairie often runs 10-25% higher than standard hourly wages, appealing to those seeking flexible roles or supplemental income. Moreover, hourly rates may vary significantly depending on whether one is employed by a private practice, a large healthcare corporation, a community health center, or a specialty clinic. Technologists must weigh the choice of higher hourly wages without benefits against the stability that comes with traditional roles that offer health insurance and other perks. Effective negotiation can also play a critical role in salary discussions; understanding local market rates and being aware of the additional benefits offered by employers can empower candidates in their search for positions that best suit their financial and personal needs.
More salary data for Metairie, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Metairie in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Metairie?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Metairie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Metairie?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Metairie?
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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 Metairie. 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 Metairie 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