Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Wilmington, NC: $30.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Wilmington, NC runs $30.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,470 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,090 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, North Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is set at $30.52, which is approximately 7.66% lower than the national median of $33.05. This hourly rate is an essential consideration for both part-time and per-diem professionals within clinical settings. For those working three days a week, this compensation reflects a stable income that accommodates flexible work schedules, with hourly rates ranging from $20.46 for entry-level positions to $43.02 for top earners. As published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these figures represent key insights into the compensation structure faced by practitioners in this field in Wilmington as they navigate diverse employment opportunities.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.46 | $163.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.97 | $191.74 |
| Median (P50) | $30.52 | $244.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.00 | $320.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.02 | $344.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $30.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.52/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, NC can expect to earn approximately $63,483 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,625. With a cost-of-living index of 96.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.82 | $5,290 | $63,483 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.49 | $3,174 | $38,090 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.33 | $2,116 | $25,393 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Wilmington) | $30.52 |
| 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 Wilmington, NC earn a median of $63,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.66% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $64,371.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.52/hr = $38,090/year (purchasing power: $39,503).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,483/year (purchasing power: $65,838).
CoL index: 96.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Wilmington grew 22.3% from $24.22/hr (2019) to $29.62/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.45/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Considering part-time work at the stated hourly pay, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours per week would earn approximately $38,300 annually, a figure significantly lower than that of a full-time employee. In the context of per diem roles, salaries often see a boost, with rates typically 10-25% higher than standard staff compensation. Hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists can also fluctuate based on the type of employer; private practices may offer different pay scales compared to larger healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics. Workers frequently face a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits versus stable employment with comprehensive health insurance. For those negotiating salary, understanding local market conditions and employer expectations in Wilmington will provide an important advantage during discussions regarding hourly compensation.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Wilmington?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Wilmington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Wilmington?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Wilmington?
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 Wilmington. 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