Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in New Orleans, LA: $29.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in New Orleans, LA runs $29.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,662 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against New Orleans's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,392 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In New Orleans, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $29.16 based on projections for 2026. This figure falls below the national median of $33.05 per hour, suggesting that local pay rates may not be as competitive compared to other markets across the country. For those working part-time—about three days a week—a typical schedule could equate to around 24 hours, allowing for a substantial earnings potential within clinical settings. The hourly range for these technologists spans from $15.70 at the 10th percentile to as high as $47.95 for the top earners, indicating that there is ample opportunity for advancement in this field, depending significantly on experience and specialization.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.70 | $125.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.71 | $165.69 |
| Median (P50) | $29.16 | $233.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.00 | $296.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.95 | $383.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Orleans
Based on $29.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.16/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Orleans, LA can expect to earn approximately $60,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,992. With a cost-of-living index of 92.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Orleans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Orleans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,166.41 | $5,054 | $60,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $699.85 | $3,033 | $36,392 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.57 | $2,022 | $24,261 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (New Orleans) | $29.16 |
| 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 New Orleans, LA earn a median of $60,662 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.74% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.10% above the Louisiana state average of $60,601.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.16/hr = $36,392/year (purchasing power: $39,302).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,653/year (purchasing power: $65,503).
CoL index: 92.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in New Orleans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in New Orleans grew 15.1% from $24.59/hr (2019) to $28.30/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.05/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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans
For a part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in New Orleans, earnings can be notably different compared to full-time positions. Working 24 hours a week, they may bring home around $34,500 annually, which can be significantly lower than a full-time salary but offers flexibility. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in New Orleans often comes with a 10-25% premium over standard staff rates, which can enhance overall earnings, particularly for those willing to work on an agency basis. Hourly wages can also vary widely depending on the employer type, with larger healthcare organizations typically offering more competitive rates than smaller private practices or community health centers. This variance highlights a crucial trade-off; some technologists may choose lower hourly rates that include benefits like health insurance, while others might prefer higher hourly pay without benefits. For hourly workers, effective negotiation strategies—such as emphasizing specialized skills or a willingness to take on challenging shifts—can make a substantial impact on overall compensation.
More salary data for New Orleans, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in New Orleans in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in New Orleans?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in New Orleans paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in New Orleans?
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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 New Orleans. 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