Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Chapel Hill, NC: $30.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Chapel Hill, NC runs $30.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Chapel Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,552 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Chapel Hill, NC, will earn a median hourly rate of $30.89, which is approximately 6.52% below the national median of $33.05 per hour. This hourly pay reflects compensation for various work settings, including hospitals, private practices, and laboratories, making it a viable option for professionals, especially those interested in part-time or per-diem work. For example, working part-time at around 3 days a week could allow a technologist to earn a solid income while maintaining flexibility in their schedule. The hourly rates in Chapel Hill vary widely, from $18.39 for entry-level positions to about $47.88 for highly experienced professionals, showcasing the potential for growth within the field.
About the Chapel Hill Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.39 | $147.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.63 | $181.02 |
| Median (P50) | $30.89 | $247.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.54 | $316.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.88 | $383.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chapel Hill
Based on $30.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.89/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chapel Hill, NC can expect to earn approximately $64,254 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,070. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chapel Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chapel Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,235.66 | $5,355 | $64,254 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.39 | $3,213 | $38,552 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.26 | $2,142 | $25,702 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Chapel Hill) | $30.89 |
| 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 Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $64,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.52% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.20% below the North Carolina state average of $64,382.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.89/hr = $38,552/year (purchasing power: $41,189).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,254/year (purchasing power: $68,648).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Chapel Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Chapel Hill grew 18.5% from $25.31/hr (2019) to $29.98/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.83/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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill
Considering the financial implications of part-time versus full-time work, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual take-home of about $38,464, which differs considerably from full-time employment. Moreover, those opting for per diem positions or agency roles might benefit from premium rates that can exceed standard staff pay by 10-25%. In Chapel Hill, hourly wages vary across different employer types; large healthcare organizations may offer more competitive pay than community health centers or smaller private practices. However, the trade-offs between hourly pay and the benefits provided, such as health insurance, can influence a technologist's decision. For professionals in this field, negotiating for higher pay may be vital, particularly in a competitive market like Chapel Hill, where understanding employer-specific compensation packages can lead to better financial outcomes for laborers in the medical and clinical realm.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Chapel Hill in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Chapel Hill?
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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 Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill 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