Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $38.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Trenton, NJ runs $38.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,699 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,811 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Trenton, NJ, the pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to reach a median of $38.31 per hour in 2026, exceeding the national median of $33.05 per hour by a significant margin. This elevated hourly rate can be particularly compelling for part-time professionals working three days a week, as their earnings can provide a solid supplemental income. With an hourly range from $24.78 to $51.54, entry-level workers can expect to start on the lower end, while those with more experience or specialized skills can achieve higher earnings. This data reflects official projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicating a favorable hourly wage scale for those entering the field in the Trenton area.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.78 | $198.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.39 | $251.09 |
| Median (P50) | $38.31 | $306.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.71 | $365.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.54 | $412.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $38.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.31/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $79,685 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,972. With a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,532.41 | $6,640 | $79,685 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $919.45 | $3,984 | $47,811 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $612.96 | $2,656 | $31,874 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Trenton) | $38.31 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $79,699 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.95% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 5.00% below the New Jersey state average of $83,894.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.31/hr = $47,811/year (purchasing power: $46,338).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,685/year (purchasing power: $77,229).
CoL index: 103.18 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Trenton grew 23.3% from $30.16/hr (2019) to $37.18/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.47/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
Looking deeper into compensation dynamics, part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working 24 hours a week may take home approximately $47,509 annually, a figure that doesn't match full-time workers but can be quite attractive for those balancing other commitments. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Trenton often commands a 10-25% premium over standard hourly rates, presenting an enticing option for flexibly employed professionals. Earnings can vary significantly by employer type, with private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics offering differing compensation structures. While accepting lower hourly wages with benefits provides security, many technologists weigh this against the potential for higher pay without benefits as independent or per diem workers. For those negotiating pay, understanding the local market and being aware of the benefits versus hourly rate trade-off can empower workers to make informed choices about their career path.
More salary data for Trenton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Trenton 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 Trenton. 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