Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Watertown, MA: $41.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Watertown, MA runs $41.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,685 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,412 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, Massachusetts, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $41.20, surpassing the national median of $33.05 significantly. This premium is beneficial for those working part-time or per-diem arrangements, which are common in various clinical settings like hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. For instance, individuals working three days a week can enjoy a manageable schedule while taking advantage of higher hourly earnings. The hourly rates for these technologists in Watertown range from $25.90 at the entry-level up to $62.60 for experienced professionals, reflecting the local market dynamics and the potential for upward mobility in this growing field.
About the Watertown 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) | $25.90 | $207.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.69 | $261.56 |
| Median (P50) | $41.20 | $329.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.77 | $414.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.60 | $500.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $41.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.20/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, MA can expect to earn approximately $85,686 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,434. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,647.82 | $7,141 | $85,686 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $988.69 | $4,284 | $51,412 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $659.13 | $2,856 | $34,275 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Watertown) | $41.20 |
| 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 Watertown, MA earn a median of $85,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.66% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $86,814.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.20/hr = $51,412/year (purchasing power: $47,384).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,686/year (purchasing power: $78,974).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Watertown grew 18.5% from $33.75/hr (2019) to $39.98/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.45/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Earning potential varies notably for medical and clinical laboratory technologists depending on work style and employer type. For example, a part-time technologist working 24 hours a week would bring home around $51,000 annually, compared to full-time workers who could approach $85,685. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Watertown often provides a premium of 10-25% over standard staff rates, making these positions appealing for those seeking flexibility. Employers such as private practices and community health centers may offer lower hourly rates in exchange for full benefits packages, while larger healthcare organizations might compensate more with higher salaries. When negotiating, it's beneficial to understand the trade-offs between hourly pay and available benefits, ensuring you choose an arrangement that best suits your financial needs.
More salary data for Watertown, 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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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