Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Gastonia, NC: $32.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Gastonia, NC runs $32.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,660 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Gastonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,993 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gastonia, North Carolina, the hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is projected to be $32.05 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $33.05. This wage can provide solid compensation for part-time workers and per-diem professionals, especially in clinical settings where flexible scheduling is often available. A laboratory technologist working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, can still generate a respectable income while maintaining a work-life balance. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $20.09 per hour, while the highest earners—typically those with extensive experience or specialized skills—can see rates climb to $49.68 per hour. These figures reflect an industry standard for the region, allowing for various employment options tailored to individual needs.
About the Gastonia 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) | $20.09 | $160.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.26 | $194.04 |
| Median (P50) | $32.05 | $256.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.02 | $328.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.68 | $397.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gastonia
Based on $32.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.05/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gastonia, NC can expect to earn approximately $66,655 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,455. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gastonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gastonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,281.82 | $5,555 | $66,655 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $769.09 | $3,333 | $39,993 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $512.73 | $2,222 | $26,662 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Gastonia) | $32.05 |
| 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 Gastonia, NC earn a median of $66,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.02% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $64,343.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.05/hr = $39,993/year (purchasing power: $42,727).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,655/year (purchasing power: $71,212).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Gastonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Gastonia grew 18.5% from $26.25/hr (2019) to $31.10/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.02/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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia
Examining the earning potential of medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Gastonia reveals several considerations for workers in different employment situations. A part-time technologist working just three days a week might take home considerably less than those in full-time roles, as their annual income could be significantly lower despite an attractive hourly rate. Per diem positions often offer advantages, too, with typical pay rates running a 10-25% premium over standard salaries. Rates can vary depending on the setting, as larger healthcare institutions may provide better benefits compared to small clinics or private practices, which might pay higher hourly rates but less in health insurance. Many professionals weigh the benefits of steady hours and health insurance against potentially higher pay in less stable per diem roles. For negotiations, being aware of the competitive landscape in Gastonia can help; preparing to discuss your qualifications and flexibility can provide leverage to negotiate higher hourly pay, particularly if you possess in-demand certifications or are ready to fill urgent staffing needs.
More salary data for Gastonia, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Gastonia in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Gastonia?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Gastonia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Gastonia?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Gastonia?
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 Gastonia. 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 Gastonia 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