Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Berkeley, NJ: $39.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Berkeley, NJ runs $39.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,225 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,329 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Berkeley, NJ, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $39.53, which is significantly higher than the national median of $33.05. This pay rate provides a competitive advantage for part-time workers and per-diem staff, who can expect to receive compensation that aligns with the area's living costs. For those working three days a week, the hourly earnings translate to a substantial weekly income, making this profession an appealing choice for flexibility without sacrificing financial viability. The hourly range for this position spans from $24.20 at the lower percentiles to $61.28 for those at the top of their field, showcasing the payment diversity based on experience and specific roles within clinical settings such as hospitals and labs.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.20 | $193.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.48 | $235.84 |
| Median (P50) | $39.53 | $316.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.31 | $394.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.28 | $490.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $39.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.53/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, NJ can expect to earn approximately $82,214 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,431. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,581.05 | $6,851 | $82,214 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $948.63 | $4,111 | $49,329 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $632.42 | $2,740 | $32,886 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Berkeley) | $39.53 |
| 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 Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $82,225 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.63% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $83,903.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.53/hr = $49,329/year (purchasing power: $42,820).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,214/year (purchasing power: $71,367).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Berkeley grew 18.5% from $32.38/hr (2019) to $38.36/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.73/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Berkeley can expect to take home an annual income that differs significantly from their full-time counterparts. Working 24 hours a week in this role, a part-time technologist may earn just over $49,000 annually, while full-time professionals could exceed $82,000 per year. For those considering per diem positions, rates often command a premium of 10-25% above standard wages, creating an opportunity for increased earnings. These financial considerations vary across employer types; private practices might offer lower hourly rates compared to large health organizations or specialty clinics, where higher compensation can be coupled with additional benefits. When negotiating, it’s essential for techs to weigh the trade-offs between slightly lower hourly rates with consistent health benefits and higher per diem pay without such advantages, as these choices directly impact financial stability and job satisfaction in a market like Berkeley's.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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