Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Kirkwood, MO: $28.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Kirkwood, MO runs $28.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Kirkwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,402 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Kirkwood, Missouri, the average hourly pay is projected to be $28.37 in 2026. This rate falls below the national median of $33.05, reflecting the local market conditions and cost of living index of 89.6, which is below the national average. For part-time employees working around three days a week, the earnings can provide a stable income, particularly in clinical settings where worker shortages often necessitate flexible staffing. Entry-level positions start at approximately $18.07 per hour, while seasoned professionals in the top tier can command rates up to $43.98. Overall, the variation in hourly wages hints at the different levels of expertise and the diverse roles within the profession.
About the Kirkwood 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) | $18.07 | $144.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.59 | $172.70 |
| Median (P50) | $28.37 | $226.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.31 | $290.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.98 | $351.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkwood
Based on $28.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.37/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $59,003 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,040. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kirkwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,134.68 | $4,917 | $59,003 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.81 | $2,950 | $35,402 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.87 | $1,967 | $23,601 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Kirkwood) | $28.37 |
| 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 Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $59,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $59,486.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.37/hr = $35,402/year (purchasing power: $39,511).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,003/year (purchasing power: $65,852).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kirkwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Kirkwood grew 18.5% from $23.24/hr (2019) to $27.53/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.23/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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood
Exploring the financial implications for part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists reveals that those working 24 hours a week would earn around $35,369 annually, which is significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per-diem opportunities tend to offer higher compensation, frequently ranging from a 10-25% premium over traditional employee pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Kirkwood, making it a worthwhile option for those seeking flexibility in their schedules. The discrepancies in hourly rates across various employers—such as private practices, large healthcare organizations, and community health centers—can also influence overall benefits. Some technologists may opt for positions offering lower hourly rates while providing comprehensive health insurance, thus weighing long-term financial stability against immediate pay. Effective negotiation strategies can help in securing better hourly rates, especially for those entering contracts with local health systems or agencies.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Kirkwood in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Kirkwood?
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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 Kirkwood. 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 Kirkwood 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