Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Bethesda, MD: $36.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Bethesda, MD runs $36.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,916 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Bethesda's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,152 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, Maryland, the hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists stands at a median rate of $36.98, which exceeds the national hourly median of $33.05 by a substantial margin. This indicates a favorable financial landscape for professionals in this field, particularly for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions. Working three days a week in a clinical setting can lead to earnings significantly above the typical full-time salaries in many regions, making it an attractive option for those needing flexible schedules. Entry-level positions start at an hourly rate of $22.89, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $57.32 per hour, reflecting a broad spectrum of earning potential based on experience, specific skills, and the type of employer.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.89 | $183.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.85 | $222.81 |
| Median (P50) | $36.98 | $295.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.34 | $378.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.32 | $458.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethesda
Based on $36.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.98/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethesda, MD can expect to earn approximately $76,921 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,377. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bethesda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethesda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,479.24 | $6,410 | $76,921 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $887.55 | $3,846 | $46,152 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $591.70 | $2,564 | $30,768 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Bethesda) | $36.98 |
| 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 Bethesda, MD earn a median of $76,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.90% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $79,623.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.98/hr = $46,152/year (purchasing power: $42,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,921/year (purchasing power: $70,376).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Bethesda grew 18.5% from $30.30/hr (2019) to $35.89/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.11/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 Bethesda 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 Bethesda
Focusing on the earnings from part-time work, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours per week can expect to take home about $46,985 annually—substantially less than full-time counterparts, but still sufficient for those balancing other responsibilities. For those considering per-diem or agency opportunities, pay usually commands a premium of 10-25% over regular hourly wages, making these options financially appealing. Employers across Bethesda, including private practices and large healthcare systems, may offer varying rates due to differences in available benefits, work environments, and job responsibilities, leading some professionals to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health insurance. Negotiation for these roles should emphasize local market rates and desired benefits, ensuring that candidates advocate for themselves while remaining aware of the competitive landscape for medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in Bethesda, MD.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Bethesda in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Bethesda?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Bethesda paid hourly or salary?
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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 Bethesda. 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 Bethesda 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