Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Meridian, MS: $28.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Meridian, MS runs $28.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,192 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,518 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Mississippi, the projected hourly median pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists stands at $28.46, which falls short of the national median of $33.05 per hour. For part-time professionals working the typical three-day week, this translates to about $1,362 bi-weekly or around $35,532 annually, depending on individual work schedules. The hourly range is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting at $18.33 and top earners making as much as $43.71. This disparity represents various factors such as experience level, certification, and the specific healthcare setting, whether in a clinical laboratory, hospital, or other healthcare facilities, providing ample opportunities across different pathways within the field.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.33 | $146.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.82 | $174.59 |
| Median (P50) | $28.46 | $227.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.11 | $288.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.71 | $349.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $28.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.46/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, MS can expect to earn approximately $59,196 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,152. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,138.39 | $4,933 | $59,196 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.03 | $2,960 | $35,518 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.35 | $1,973 | $23,678 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Meridian) | $28.46 |
| 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 Meridian, MS earn a median of $59,192 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.88% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $62,439.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.46/hr = $35,518/year (purchasing power: $41,444).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,196/year (purchasing power: $69,074).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Meridian grew 18.5% from $23.31/hr (2019) to $27.62/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.32/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
Earning potential for a part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Meridian highlights significant factors influenced by employer types and work arrangements. Typically, part-time professionals take home about $35,532 annually, a stark contrast to full-time positions that likely yield $59,192 annually. For those considering per diem roles, the financial outlook is even more appealing, with pay rates often ranging 10-25% higher than standard staff wages, making per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Meridian a competitive alternative. Variations in pay can often be attributed to the types of healthcare organizations, such as private practices or large hospitals, which frequently offer different compensation levels. Prospective employees may need to weigh the benefits of steady employment against higher hourly rates that offer little in the way of health insurance. When negotiating, it’s prudent to articulate your experience and specific certifications, as many employers are willing to pay more for skilled professionals in this promising field.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Meridian in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Meridian?
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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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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