Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $41.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Boston, MA runs $41.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,810 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,081 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Boston, Massachusetts, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly rate of $41.73, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.05. This competitive pay reflects the local demand for skilled professionals in clinical settings, offering lucrative opportunities for both full-time and part-time positions, including those working three days a week. The hourly rates for entry-level technologists start at around $25.15, while top earners can make up to $56.32 per hour, showcasing a strong wage progression. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlight the financial benefits available in this field, making it an attractive choice for individuals seeking stability and decent compensation.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.15 | $201.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.37 | $226.94 |
| Median (P50) | $41.73 | $333.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.00 | $424.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.32 | $450.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $41.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.73/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $86,801 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,077. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,669.25 | $7,233 | $86,801 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,001.55 | $4,340 | $52,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.70 | $2,893 | $34,720 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Boston) | $41.73 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $86,810 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.30% higher than the national median of $68,734.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.73/hr = $52,081/year (purchasing power: $48,104).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,801/year (purchasing power: $80,174).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Boston grew 44.0% from $28.13/hr (2019) to $40.50/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.00/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 Boston 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 Boston
When considering part-time work, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week at the current hourly rate could expect to take home approximately $52,000 annually. For those who choose per diem roles, the compensation often ranges 10-25% above standard W-2 staff pay, introducing a flexible income stream that can be particularly appealing. Compensation may vary by employer type, with private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics each offering distinct pay structures. Many professionals weigh these benefits cautiously; while some may accept lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance, others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation strategies tailored to the local market dynamics are key for maximizing earning potential within Boston’s vibrant healthcare environment.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
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 Boston. 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