Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $35.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in South Portland, ME runs $35.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,703 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,828 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, Maine, the projected medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay stands at $35.92, exceeding the national hourly median of $33.05 by more than 8%. This favorable rate can significantly benefit those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, allowing for flexible schedules while still providing a competitive wage. With an hourly range of $24.10 for entry-level positions to $55.67 for those at the top of their field, this profession accommodates a variety of experience levels. The estimated figures derived from annual salary data provide a solid foundation for understanding how hourly compensation correlates with the evolving demands of clinical settings.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.10 | $192.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.54 | $220.34 |
| Median (P50) | $35.92 | $287.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.97 | $367.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.67 | $445.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $35.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.92/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $74,713 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,104. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,436.79 | $6,226 | $74,713 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $862.07 | $3,736 | $44,828 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $574.72 | $2,490 | $29,885 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (South Portland) | $35.92 |
| 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 South Portland, ME earn a median of $74,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.68% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.90% above the Maine state average of $72,598.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.92/hr = $44,828/year (purchasing power: $45,008).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,713/year (purchasing power: $75,013).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Portland grew 18.5% from $29.43/hr (2019) to $34.86/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.01/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 South Portland 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 South Portland
For part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working three days a week, which typically amounts to around 24 hours, the annual take-home pay will significantly differ compared to full-time employees. Those who opt for per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist work in South Portland can expect agency rates that generally surpass staff pay by 10-25%. Moreover, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type—private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics each have different compensation structures. Some technologists might accept a lower hourly wage in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher pay with fewer or no benefits. Negotiating hourly wages requires understanding these trade-offs; knowing the prevailing rates can empower you to advocate for better pay, ensuring a balance between income and job security in the healthcare field.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in South Portland?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in South Portland?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in South Portland?
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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 South Portland. 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 South Portland 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