Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Raleigh, NC: $31.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Raleigh, NC runs $31.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Raleigh's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,157 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the earnings for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist hover around a median hourly rate of $31.38. This figure is slightly lower than the national median of $33.05, indicating a competitive but not exceptional compensation landscape in the region. For those working part-time, such as on a typical three-day-per-week schedule, this rate offers a reasonable income potential, allowing techs to balance their professional commitments while maintaining a flexible lifestyle. The hourly range for these professionals currently varies from $21.10 at the entry level to a substantial $45.41 for top earners, showcasing a diverse earning potential depending on experience and skill level. These statistics are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.10 | $168.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.32 | $202.54 |
| Median (P50) | $31.38 | $251.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.16 | $321.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.41 | $363.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raleigh
Based on $31.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.38/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raleigh, NC can expect to earn approximately $65,261 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,651. With a cost-of-living index of 98.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raleigh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raleigh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,255.03 | $5,438 | $65,261 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $753.02 | $3,263 | $39,157 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $502.01 | $2,175 | $26,105 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Raleigh) | $31.38 |
| 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 Raleigh, NC earn a median of $65,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.05% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.40% above the North Carolina state average of $64,359.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.38/hr = $39,157/year (purchasing power: $39,892).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,261/year (purchasing power: $66,487).
CoL index: 98.157 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Raleigh grew 17.2% from $25.99/hr (2019) to $30.45/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.33/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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
For part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can reach approximately $39,185, which indicates a significant drop compared to full-time salaries. The appeal of per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Raleigh often attracts professionals seeking flexibility, although these roles can pay a premium of 10-25% above the regular staff rates. Variability among employer types—ranging from private practices to large healthcare organizations and community health centers—can also impact compensation structures significantly. Those accepting lower hourly rates in roles with benefits must weigh the trade-off between immediate pay and job security. To negotiate effectively in Raleigh, potential employees should emphasize their unique skill sets and consider the added value of benefits, which can mitigate the importance of a higher hourly wage for those prioritizing financial stability and health coverage.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Raleigh in 2026?
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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 Raleigh. 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