Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Clifton, NJ: $39.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Clifton, NJ runs $39.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,378 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Clifton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,432 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clifton, NJ, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly pay of $39.61, significantly higher than the national median of $33.05. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time professionals, working around three days a week, and per-diem workers who often split their hours across different facilities. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn about $25.67 per hour, while top earners may command rates up to $61.39. These numbers, based on projections from 2025 BLS data and taking into account the local cost of living, illustrate the financial landscape for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the Clifton area.
About the Clifton 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) | $25.67 | $205.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.58 | $244.66 |
| Median (P50) | $39.61 | $316.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.15 | $401.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.39 | $491.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clifton
Based on $39.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.61/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clifton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $82,386 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,530. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clifton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clifton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,584.34 | $6,865 | $82,386 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $950.61 | $4,119 | $49,432 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $633.74 | $2,746 | $32,954 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Clifton) | $39.61 |
| 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 Clifton, NJ earn a median of $82,378 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.85% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $83,974.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.61/hr = $49,432/year (purchasing power: $42,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,386/year (purchasing power: $71,515).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Clifton grew 18.5% from $32.45/hr (2019) to $38.44/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.81/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 Clifton 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 Clifton
For those considering part-time work at roughly 24 hours a week, the annual compensation reflects a take-home lower than full-time salaries but still competitive compared to many careers in the region. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Clifton tends to exceed standard staff rates by 10-25%, providing financial flexibility. Employers such as private practices, large healthcare organizations, and community health centers often offer varying pay rates; those in specialized clinics may receive higher wages yet trade off benefits. Thus, while some are willing to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and stability, others might seek out higher-paying, benefit-free positions, reflecting individual priorities and market trends. When negotiating, highlighting skills and certifications that align with the most sought-after qualifications can help professionals capture the best opportunities.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Clifton in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Clifton?
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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 Clifton. 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 Clifton 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