Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Cornelius, NC: $30.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Cornelius, NC runs $30.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,515 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Cornelius's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,115 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cornelius, North Carolina, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly rate is projected to reach $30.54 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $33.05. This rate presents a solid earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers in settings like hospitals and clinical laboratories, where such professionals might work several shifts a week. For instance, a medical technologist working three days a week would earn approximately $30,000 annually, while entry-level positions may start as low as $20.66 per hour, with experienced technologists earning up to $46.39. It's essential to consider that these hourly figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, making them a reliable indicator of the expected compensation landscape for this critical healthcare role in Cornelius.
About the Cornelius 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) | $20.66 | $165.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.22 | $193.80 |
| Median (P50) | $30.54 | $244.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.36 | $306.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.39 | $371.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cornelius
Based on $30.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.54/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cornelius, NC can expect to earn approximately $63,525 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,649. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cornelius.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cornelius
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,221.64 | $5,294 | $63,525 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.99 | $3,176 | $38,115 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.66 | $2,118 | $25,410 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Cornelius) | $30.54 |
| 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 Cornelius, NC earn a median of $63,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.59% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $64,351.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.54/hr = $38,115/year (purchasing power: $40,721).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,525/year (purchasing power: $67,869).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Cornelius (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cornelius grew 18.5% from $25.02/hr (2019) to $29.64/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.47/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 Cornelius 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 Cornelius
Part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cornelius enjoy some flexibility, often opting for a three-day schedule that yields a significant annual income. Depending on individual hours worked, their earnings can resemble a full-time salary for those capable of tapping into other income streams such as locum or per diem roles, which frequently pay a premium over traditional staff wages. Typically, agency positions offer rates that can be 10-25% higher than standard pay. Various employer types, including community health centers and specialty clinics, contribute to the variability in hourly compensation within the region. While accepting slightly lower hourly wages may provide stability and benefits, higher pay at agency roles can attract those without health insurance needs. For those negotiating in Cornelius, emphasizing specialized skills and certifications can be advantageous, as local healthcare entities often respond positively to qualified applicants who showcase their expertise.
More salary data for Cornelius, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cornelius in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Cornelius?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cornelius paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Cornelius?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Cornelius?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Cornelius. 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 Cornelius 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