Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $29.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Lincoln, NE runs $29.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,088 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,649 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lincoln, Nebraska, the projected median hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists stands at $29.37, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $33.05. This hourly rate provides a foundational salary for professionals in clinical settings, impacting those working part-time—such as a typical 3-day workweek—and per-diem workers within the local healthcare landscape. The hourly compensation ranges from $19.64 for entry-level positions to $42.91 for seasoned experts, reflecting the varying demand and specialization levels across the field. With approximately 330 employed in Lincoln, this data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, giving a clear picture of the local compensation dynamics for aspiring technologists.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.64 | $157.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.80 | $190.42 |
| Median (P50) | $29.37 | $234.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.45 | $315.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.91 | $343.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $29.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.37/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $61,082 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,240. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,174.66 | $5,090 | $61,082 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.79 | $3,054 | $36,649 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.86 | $2,036 | $24,433 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Lincoln) | $29.37 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $61,088 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.12% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 8.40% below the Nebraska state average of $66,690.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.37/hr = $36,649/year (purchasing power: $40,018).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,082/year (purchasing power: $66,697).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lincoln grew 29.7% from $21.97/hr (2019) to $28.50/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.26/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Shifting to the analysis, part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists who work 24 hours a week can expect to earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Without benefits, the annual income for a part-time worker might fall considerably below the financial threshold needed for comprehensive coverage, making it essential to consider other options such as per-diem roles. Typically, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Lincoln can command a premium—ranging from 10-25% above regular hourly rates—due to the demand for flexibility and immediate staffing solutions. Differences in employer type further influence hourly wages; for instance, large healthcare organizations may offer higher remuneration than community health centers or private practices, but this often comes at the cost of job security and benefits. As professionals consider their compensation packages, they should weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly wages that include health insurance and higher pay without benefits. Negotiating hourly pay in Lincoln may require understanding these local dynamics and demonstrating relevant experience or certifications to secure the highest rates available.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lincoln in 2026?
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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 Lincoln. 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, 7-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