Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $40.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $40.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,700 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,820 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Elizabeth, NJ, can anticipate a median hourly pay of $40.72, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $33.05. This implies great earning potential, particularly for those opting for part-time roles or per-diem work, which are common in clinical settings. For example, part-time professionals working three days a week typically earn around $781.44 weekly, making this profession a feasible option for those looking to balance work with other commitments. Hourly pay in this field varies considerably, with entry-level technicians starting at approximately $26.21, while top earners can reach up to $63.12, highlighting a diverse range of opportunities for specialists at various stages in their careers.
About the Elizabeth 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) | $26.21 | $209.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.51 | $252.08 |
| Median (P50) | $40.72 | $325.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.13 | $417.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.12 | $504.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $40.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.72/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $84,701 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,866. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,628.86 | $7,058 | $84,701 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $977.31 | $4,235 | $50,820 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.54 | $2,823 | $33,880 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Elizabeth) | $40.72 |
| 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 Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $84,700 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.23% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $83,944.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.72/hr = $50,820/year (purchasing power: $44,115).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,701/year (purchasing power: $73,525).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Elizabeth grew 18.5% from $33.36/hr (2019) to $39.52/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.96/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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
When considering the earning potential of part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists, an individual working just 24 hours a week could see an annual income well below that of their full-time counterparts. This reality can shift. Per-diem or agency workers often command higher rates, typically between 10-25% more than standard staff pay, providing flexibility and potentially greater income. In Elizabeth, hourly rates may differ based on employer type, with private practices, large hospitals, and specialty clinics offering varying compensation levels. Some technologists may prioritize benefits such as health insurance over higher wages, which often come with per-diem roles. Negotiating strategies in this competitive market may involve emphasizing experience and specialized skills to achieve the best possible terms while exploring diverse opportunities across healthcare settings.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Elizabeth in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Elizabeth?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Elizabeth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Elizabeth?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Elizabeth?
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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 Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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