Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbia, MO: $35.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Columbia, MO runs $35.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,616 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,172 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbia, MO, can expect a median hourly pay of $35.39, which is above the national median of $33.05. This higher hourly rate enhances the financial appeal for those seeking part-time and per-diem opportunities in various clinical settings, where flexible work arrangements are common. For those starting in the field, hourly wages range from approximately $20.48, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $47.98 per hour. This official BLS data from 2025, projected to 2026, indicates that compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbia reflects the local demand and market conditions, making it an attractive option for both full-time and supplemental employment.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.48 | $163.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.64 | $221.08 |
| Median (P50) | $35.39 | $283.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.47 | $371.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.98 | $383.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $35.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.39/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MO can expect to earn approximately $73,620 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,473. With a cost-of-living index of 89.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,415.77 | $6,135 | $73,620 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $849.46 | $3,681 | $44,172 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $566.31 | $2,454 | $29,448 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Columbia) | $35.39 |
| 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 Columbia, MO earn a median of $73,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.10% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 23.70% above the Missouri state average of $59,512.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.39/hr = $44,172/year (purchasing power: $49,388).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,620/year (purchasing power: $82,314).
CoL index: 89.438 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+89.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbia grew 78.2% from $19.28/hr (2019) to $34.35/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.47/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Examining the potential for part-time work, someone employed as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist for three days a week, totalling 24 hours, would earn around $43,052 annually based on the median hourly rate. This figures starkly contrasts with a full-time position, underscoring the importance of scheduling for professionals balancing multiple commitments. For those considering per diem roles, it’s notable that pay rates can typically carry a 10-25% premium over standard staff positions. Additionally, hourly rates may fluctuate depending on the type of employer—ranging from private practices to large healthcare organizations and community health centers in Columbia. Some may opt for lower hourly wages to secure health insurance and benefits, while others, particularly in agency work, might favor a higher hourly pay without benefits. Negotiating a better rate involves understanding local market trends and demonstrating specialized skills, which can give workers an edge in securing favorable hourly conditions.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Columbia?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Columbia?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Columbia. 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, 6-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