Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Grand Rapids, MI: $26.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Grand Rapids, MI runs $26.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,590 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Grand Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,753 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Grand Rapids, Michigan, can expect a median hourly rate of $26.24, which is significantly lower than the national median of $33.05. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates into a steady income that supports a flexible work-life balance, particularly in clinical settings where these professionals are commonly employed. The hourly pay can range from $20.01 for entry-level positions to as much as $42.92 for the top 10 percent of earners. This comprehensive hourly pay data is sourced from the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlights the current compensation landscape for laboratory technologists in the region.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.01 | $160.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.05 | $160.41 |
| Median (P50) | $26.24 | $209.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.97 | $327.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.92 | $343.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Rapids
Based on $26.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.24/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Rapids, MI can expect to earn approximately $54,588 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,493. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,049.77 | $4,549 | $54,588 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $629.86 | $2,729 | $32,753 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $419.91 | $1,820 | $21,835 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Grand Rapids) | $26.24 |
| 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 Grand Rapids, MI earn a median of $54,590 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.58% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 19.60% below the Michigan state average of $67,897.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.24/hr = $32,753/year (purchasing power: $34,280).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,588/year (purchasing power: $57,133).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Grand Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Grand Rapids grew 23.3% from $20.66/hr (2019) to $25.47/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.04/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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
In terms of annual earnings, a part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours weekly might take home around $32,800, providing a different financial scenario compared to full-time employment. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Grand Rapids typically commands a premium, between 10-25% more than standard W-2 rates, depending on agency or contract assignments. Hourly rates can vary significantly by employer, with private practices often providing lower pay compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that offer competitive compensation packages. While some professionals opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, many prefer stable salaries with health insurance. When negotiating, it’s essential for hourly workers to emphasize their skill set and industry certifications, as these are valuable in a market that is projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.04%.
More salary data for Grand Rapids, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Grand Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Grand Rapids?
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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 Grand Rapids. 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