Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Waltham, MA: $40.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Waltham, MA runs $40.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,474 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Waltham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,679 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay reaches a median of $40.61, significantly higher than the national average of $33.05 per hour. This competitive wage enables professionals working part-time, such as those putting in three days a week, to enjoy a substantially favorable income despite lower hours. Hourly rates for this role can vary considerably, ranging from $25.77 for entry-level positions to $62.95 for more seasoned professionals. Such figures are derived from annual salary data and reflect the financial landscape for those employed in diverse clinical settings.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.77 | $206.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.94 | $247.54 |
| Median (P50) | $40.61 | $324.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.98 | $415.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.95 | $503.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waltham
Based on $40.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.61/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waltham, MA can expect to earn approximately $84,465 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,730. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waltham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waltham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,624.32 | $7,039 | $84,465 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $974.59 | $4,223 | $50,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $649.73 | $2,815 | $33,786 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Waltham) | $40.61 |
| 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 Waltham, MA earn a median of $84,474 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.90% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $86,818.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.61/hr = $50,679/year (purchasing power: $46,709).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,465/year (purchasing power: $77,848).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waltham grew 18.5% from $33.27/hr (2019) to $39.41/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.84/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 Waltham 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 Waltham
Looking at the part-time earning potential, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week can still expect to bring home an impressive annual income compared to a full-time equivalent. Per diem positions often offer a premium, typically 10-25% more than standard staff pay in Waltham, allowing for increased flexibility and additional income. Hourly pay varies further based on the type of employer, with larger healthcare organizations typically offering different pay scales compared to private practices and specialty clinics. Some professionals may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others opt for higher rates without such perks. Negotiating salary can be crucial; understanding the local market and advocating for oneself can result in improved pay rates in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waltham in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Waltham?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Waltham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Waltham?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Waltham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Waltham. 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 Waltham 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