Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Traverse City, MI: $35.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Traverse City, MI runs $35.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,337 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Traverse City's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,596 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Traverse City, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to hit a median rate of $35.73 in 2026, quite favorable compared to the national median of $33.05 per hour. This competitive rate allows professionals in the field to consider various work arrangements, such as part-time (typically 24 hours a week in three days) or per-diem work in clinical settings like hospitals or private labs. For entry-level positions, hourly earnings start around $21.72, while the top earners in the Traverse City area can make up to $42.98 per hour, reflecting a significant opportunity for advancement. This data comes from official projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicating a solid employment outlook for those in this critical healthcare profession.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.72 | $173.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.72 | $173.77 |
| Median (P50) | $35.73 | $285.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.87 | $343.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.98 | $343.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Traverse City
Based on $35.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.73/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Traverse City, MI can expect to earn approximately $74,327 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,881. With a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Traverse City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Traverse City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,429.37 | $6,194 | $74,327 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.62 | $3,716 | $44,596 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.75 | $2,478 | $29,731 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Traverse City) | $35.73 |
| 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 Traverse City, MI earn a median of $74,337 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.15% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 9.40% above the Michigan state average of $67,950.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.73/hr = $44,596/year (purchasing power: $47,762).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,327/year (purchasing power: $79,603).
CoL index: 93.372 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Traverse City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Traverse City grew 18.5% from $29.27/hr (2019) to $34.68/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.82/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 Traverse City 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 Traverse City
Professionals working part-time as medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Traverse City will find themselves taking home an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. For instance, those working three days a week at a median hourly rate will earn approximately $44,474 annually, while full-time workers can expect earnings around $74,337. Additionally, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Traverse City may carry a 10-25% premium, which attracts many to agency work despite lacking benefits typically offered by full-time roles. Hourly rates can differ significantly based on the type of employer; positions in large healthcare organizations may offer higher pay than those in community health centers or private practices. While some professionals prioritize benefits such as health insurance, others opt for higher hourly wages without these perks. When negotiating salaries, it’s advisable to highlight your skills and consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and employment stability, ensuring you find a compensation package that suits your personal and professional needs.
More salary data for Traverse City, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Traverse City in 2026?
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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 Traverse City. 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, 2-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