Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Durham, NC: $31.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Durham, NC runs $31.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,325 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Durham's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,800 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durham, North Carolina, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $31.89, which is slightly lower than the national median of $33.05. This rate reflects the typical compensation in clinical settings, making it a viable option for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, who can also benefit from flexible scheduling. For those just starting in the field, hourly pay can begin at $18.50, while top earners, particularly those with specialized skills or years of experience, can see rates as high as $49.43. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, showcasing the varied earning potential available to professionals in this sector within Durham.
About the Durham 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) | $18.50 | $147.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.37 | $194.95 |
| Median (P50) | $31.89 | $255.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.81 | $326.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.43 | $395.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durham
Based on $31.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.89/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durham, NC can expect to earn approximately $66,333 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,269. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Durham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,275.64 | $5,528 | $66,333 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.38 | $3,317 | $39,800 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.25 | $2,211 | $26,533 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Durham) | $31.89 |
| 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 Durham, NC earn a median of $66,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.00% above the North Carolina state average of $64,393.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.89/hr = $39,800/year (purchasing power: $42,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,333/year (purchasing power: $70,869).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Durham grew 18.5% from $26.11/hr (2019) to $30.95/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.86/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 Durham 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 Durham
The potential for part-time work in Durham allows medical and clinical laboratory technologists to take home a substantial amount even while working fewer hours. For example, a 24-hour work week could yield an annual income of nearly $39,866, a figure significantly lower than what full-time employees might earn in the same role. However, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Durham often comes with a notable premium, typically ranging between 10-25% above standard rates, making it an appealing option for those seeking flexibility. Hourly rates will also vary depending on the employer type; for instance, large healthcare organizations may offer more comprehensive benefits packages compared to smaller private practices, which could lead to different trade-offs in compensation choices. Those entering negotiations for hourly positions in Durham should be equipped to weigh the value of higher pay against potential benefits like health insurance, which are vital considerations for many working professionals.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Durham in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Durham?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Durham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Durham?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Durham?
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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 Durham. 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 Durham 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