Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $28.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in University City, MO runs $28.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,659 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,196 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University City, MO, the projected hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists stands at $28.20 in 2026, marking a notable difference when compared to the national hourly median of $33.05. For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, the consistent pay means they can expect around $21,600 to $27,456 annually based on a standard schedule, an attractive option for professionals seeking balanced work-life commitments. For those considering per-diem positions, rates can vary, providing a flexible avenue to enhance income while accommodating varying personal needs. Within the local labor market, entry-level positions start around $17.65 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $42.70, showcasing the potential for growth as skills and experience accumulate.
About the University City 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) | $17.65 | $141.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.25 | $169.97 |
| Median (P50) | $28.20 | $225.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.01 | $288.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.70 | $341.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $28.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.20/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $58,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,842. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,128.08 | $4,888 | $58,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $676.85 | $2,933 | $35,196 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.23 | $1,955 | $23,464 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (University City) | $28.20 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $58,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.66% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $59,491.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.20/hr = $35,196/year (purchasing power: $39,281).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,660/year (purchasing power: $65,469).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in University City grew 18.5% from $23.10/hr (2019) to $27.37/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.06/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 University 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 University City
Analyzing the financial landscape for part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists reveals interesting earning potentials. A technologist working 24 hours per week might take home around $28,000 per year, a considerable difference from full-time practitioners. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in University City generally carries a premium of 10-25% over standard staff wages, enticing many to consider flexible work arrangements. Depending on their employer, which could range from private practices to large healthcare organizations, the hourly rates can significantly vary. Some professionals may opt for positions that offer lower hourly wages but come with benefits like health insurance, whereas others prioritize higher pay without additional perks. Practical negotiation tips for this sector include researching typical pay rates across different employer types in the area, which can bolster one's bargaining position during interviews.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 University 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
Salary data for University City 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