Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Hastings, NE: $31.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Hastings, NE runs $31.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Hastings's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,028 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, Nebraska, the median hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is projected to be $31.27 in 2026. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $33.05, reflecting local economic conditions and the demand for healthcare professionals. For part-time workers, such as those engaged in per diem positions, this rate becomes particularly significant. A part-time schedule of three days a week, translating to approximately 24 hours, might yield annual earnings of around $39,629, potentially providing a flexible income option for those balancing multiple commitments. The hourly range for this profession in Hastings extends from $19.06 at the entry-level to $47.91 for top earners, demonstrating a spectrum of opportunities depending on experience and the specific settings in which these technologists operate.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska 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) | $19.06 | $152.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.15 | $185.22 |
| Median (P50) | $31.27 | $250.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.53 | $316.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.91 | $383.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hastings
Based on $31.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.27/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hastings, NE can expect to earn approximately $65,047 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,527. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hastings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hastings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,250.91 | $5,421 | $65,047 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.54 | $3,252 | $39,028 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.36 | $2,168 | $26,019 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Hastings) | $31.27 |
| 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 Hastings, NE earn a median of $65,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.37% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $66,639.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.27/hr = $39,028/year (purchasing power: $42,654).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,047/year (purchasing power: $71,090).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Hastings grew 18.5% from $25.62/hr (2019) to $30.35/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.22/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 Hastings 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 Hastings
The earning potential in Hastings varies significantly based on the type of employer. For part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working three days a week, the annual income is modest compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Hastings can often exceed regular staff rates by 10-25%, creating an attractive option for those seeking higher compensation without the commitment of full-time employment. Hourly wages might differ considerably between private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics, suggesting that workers should weigh their options carefully based on personal circumstances. Additionally, while some technologists may opt for positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer the higher pay rates without associated benefits. Negotiation strategies could include discussing the value of experience, certification, and the impact of flexibility in hours, which are highly prized in the current healthcare market.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Hastings in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Hastings?
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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 Hastings. 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 Hastings 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