Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $30.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Wake Forest, NC runs $30.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,459 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,077 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, NC, the 2026 median hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to be $30.51, which is slightly lower than the national median of $33.05. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for those who may be considering part-time or per-diem positions within clinical settings, typically working three days a week. At this rate, technologists can expect to earn between $19.99 and $47.29 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific nature of their employment. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, highlight a significant earning potential within the field, tailored to accommodate both entry-level newcomers and seasoned professionals alike in Wake Forest’s healthcare landscape.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $19.99 | $159.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.05 | $184.40 |
| Median (P50) | $30.51 | $244.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.05 | $312.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.29 | $378.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $30.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.51/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $63,461 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,612. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.41 | $5,288 | $63,461 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.24 | $3,173 | $38,077 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.16 | $2,115 | $25,384 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Wake Forest) | $30.51 |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $63,459 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.67% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $64,360.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.51/hr = $38,077/year (purchasing power: $40,680).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,461/year (purchasing power: $67,800).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Wake Forest grew 18.5% from $24.99/hr (2019) to $29.61/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.44/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Considering the differences in work arrangements can provide valuable insight into overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists. For part-time workers, those putting in 24 hours weekly may take home roughly $38,500 annually, quite different from full-time colleagues. Per diem roles typically command higher rates, often ranging 10-25% above the staff W-2 pay, which translates to increased earnings and flexibility. Moreover, pay can fluctuate based on the employer type; larger healthcare organizations in Wake Forest may offer more comprehensive benefits packages at lower hourly rates, while specialty clinics might present higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiating compensation effectively in this market involves understanding these trade-offs, as well as factoring in the demands and expectations unique to the role of a technologist in different healthcare settings.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Wake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Wake Forest?
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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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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