Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $29.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Independence, MO runs $29.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,721 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,431 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to be $29.19 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $33.05. This hourly wage offers various opportunities for those working part-time or per-diem, especially in clinical settings where flexible work arrangements are common. A part-time technologist working three days a week could see a stable income and decent earning potential, while per-diem technicians can command higher rates—typically between $18.59 at the entry-level to $45.24 for top earners. The hourly amount reflects estimated annual salary data, allowing medical professionals a clear understanding of their potential earnings based on hours dedicated to laboratory work.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.59 | $148.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.35 | $178.80 |
| Median (P50) | $29.19 | $233.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.36 | $298.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.24 | $361.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $29.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.19/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $60,718 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,029. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,167.65 | $5,060 | $60,718 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $700.59 | $3,036 | $36,431 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $467.06 | $2,024 | $24,287 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Independence) | $29.19 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $60,721 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $59,473.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.19/hr = $36,431/year (purchasing power: $40,659).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,718/year (purchasing power: $67,765).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Independence grew 18.5% from $23.91/hr (2019) to $28.33/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.08/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 Independence 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 Independence
For those working part-time, an annual income based on a 24-hour workweek provides a different financial picture than their full-time counterparts. Many part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists may find themselves earning around $36,000 to $45,000 annually. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Independence often exhibits a 10-25% premium over standard staff W-2 rates, making it an attractive alternative for professionals seeking flexibility. It's also essential to recognize how hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type in Independence, whether in private practices, larger healthcare settings, community health centers, or specialty clinics. While some technologists might accept lower hourly wages for the safety net of health benefits, others may opt for higher pay without such perks. When negotiating in the Independence job market, highlighting local demand and understanding prevailing rates can provide leverage for better compensation.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Independence?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Independence?
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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