Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Burlington, NC: $26.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Burlington, NC runs $26.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,703 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,422 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, North Carolina, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay stands at $26.78, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.05. This hourly wage reflects the economic conditions of the area and the typical demand for laboratory professionals. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the wages can translate into a reasonable income, making it feasible for individuals seeking flexible work arrangements. Hourly rates in Burlington range from $19.19 for entry-level positions to $42.48 for highly experienced professionals, demonstrating the potential for growth within the role. This data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, providing insight into expected compensation patterns for 2026.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.19 | $153.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.73 | $173.85 |
| Median (P50) | $26.78 | $214.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.66 | $277.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.48 | $339.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $26.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.78/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, NC can expect to earn approximately $55,703 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,136. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,071.20 | $4,642 | $55,703 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.72 | $2,785 | $33,422 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.48 | $1,857 | $22,281 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Burlington) | $26.78 |
| 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 Burlington, NC earn a median of $55,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.96% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 13.50% below the North Carolina state average of $64,397.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.78/hr = $33,422/year (purchasing power: $35,862).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,703/year (purchasing power: $59,769).
CoL index: 93.196 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burlington grew 32.0% from $19.69/hr (2019) to $25.99/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.59/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
A closer look at part-time earnings paints a different picture of potential income. A medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $33,139 annually, which is a stark contrast to the yearly earnings of full-time workers in this profession. For those considering per diem positions or agency work, the pay often commands a premium of 10-25% over the standard staff compensation. However, different employer types play a significant role in determining hourly rates. For example, professionals in large healthcare organizations may earn more than those working in private practices or community health centers. Additionally, some opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without such perks. It's essential for workers in Burlington to negotiate their hourly rates based on these factors while being vigilant about the local job market dynamics.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Burlington?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burlington paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Burlington?
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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 Burlington. 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