Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Princeton, NJ: $39.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Princeton, NJ runs $39.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Princeton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Princeton, New Jersey, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $39.08, which is significantly higher than the national median of $33.05. This wage reflects the higher cost of living in the area and positions these professionals favorably within the healthcare sector. For part-time workers, who typically might expect to work three days a week, earning a steady hourly pay means substantial income even in a reduced weekly schedule. The hourly range for this role varies, with entry-level positions starting at about $24.73, while top earners can make as much as $59.46. These rates hint at the potential for both stability and growth opportunities within the field, especially as these figures are derived from projected annual salaries converted into hourly averages.
About the Princeton 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) | $24.73 | $197.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.61 | $236.91 |
| Median (P50) | $39.08 | $312.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.27 | $394.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.46 | $475.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Princeton
Based on $39.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.08/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Princeton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $81,293 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,900. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Princeton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Princeton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,563.32 | $6,774 | $81,293 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $937.99 | $4,065 | $48,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $625.33 | $2,710 | $32,517 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Princeton) | $39.08 |
| 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 Princeton, NJ earn a median of $81,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 3.20% below the New Jersey state average of $83,971.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.08/hr = $48,776/year (purchasing power: $42,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,293/year (purchasing power: $70,567).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Princeton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Princeton grew 18.5% from $32.02/hr (2019) to $37.93/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.27/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 Princeton 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 Princeton
The dynamics of part-time positions reveal a compelling earning potential for medical and clinical laboratory technologists. A 24-hour workweek translating to approximately $61,711 annually can be appealing compared to full-time roles. Per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Princeton typically includes a premium, with rates being 10-25% above standard staff wages, offering an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. The type of employer also heavily influences earnings; for instance, large healthcare organizations may offer more competitive rates compared to community health centers or small private practices. While higher hourly wages might attract some, a notable trade-off exists regarding benefits, with many accepting lower pay in exchange for health insurance. For those negotiating pay in Princeton, understanding these dynamics and using local compensation trends can aid in securing desirable terms while remaining cognizant of the employer’s compensation framework.
More salary data for Princeton, 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 Princeton. 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 Princeton 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