Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Cincinnati, OH: $34.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Cincinnati, OH runs $34.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,398 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Cincinnati's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.4, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,847 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the average hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cincinnati, Ohio, is projected to be $34.33, which is slightly higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.05. This figure is essential for both part-time workers typically engaged in three-day workweeks and per-diem technologists who offer flexibility in various clinical settings. For those just entering the field, hourly pay starts at approximately $21.17, while experienced top earners can make up to $51.45 per hour, demonstrating a wide range in compensation that reflects both experience and employer type. This data, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlights the earning potential in Cincinnati for professionals in this vital health sector.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.17 | $169.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.23 | $209.87 |
| Median (P50) | $34.33 | $274.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.10 | $344.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.45 | $411.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cincinnati
Based on $34.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.33/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cincinnati, OH can expect to earn approximately $71,412 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,200. With a cost-of-living index of 95.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cincinnati.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cincinnati
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,373.32 | $5,951 | $71,412 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $823.99 | $3,571 | $42,847 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $549.33 | $2,380 | $28,565 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Cincinnati) | $34.33 |
| 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 Cincinnati, OH earn a median of $71,398 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.88% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 7.40% above the Ohio state average of $66,479.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.33/hr = $42,847/year (purchasing power: $44,928).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,412/year (purchasing power: $74,879).
CoL index: 95.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Cincinnati (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cincinnati grew 25.2% from $26.62/hr (2019) to $33.32/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.38/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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati
Part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. However, the flexibility afforded by such schedules remains appealing. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Cincinnati generally runs 10-25% higher than regular staff rates, providing an incentive for those willing to work on an as-needed basis. The variation in hourly rates across different employers—private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics—can create distinct financial outcomes. Some professionals may choose lower hourly rates for the benefits that come with full-time employment, such as health insurance, while others opt for higher pay without benefits, indicating a trade-off in decision-making. It’s also advisable to negotiate based on the type of employer and the associated benefits, as each setting presents unique compensation structures.
More salary data for Cincinnati, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cincinnati in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Cincinnati?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cincinnati paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Cincinnati?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Cincinnati?
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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 Cincinnati. 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