Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbus, OH: $32.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Columbus, OH runs $32.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,980 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,790 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in Columbus, Ohio, is projected to be $32.68, slightly below the national median of $33.05. This hourly pay offers significant advantages for professionals in part-time or per-diem positions, commonly found within hospitals and clinical laboratories, allowing flexibility while earning a competitive wage. Those entering the field can expect to start around $20.72 per hour, while experienced technologists can earn up to $49.93, illustrating a broad salary range that reflects varying levels of expertise and responsibility. These figures are derived from official BLS OEWS data, which offers a thorough overview of potential earnings for individuals charting their career in this vital healthcare sector.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.72 | $165.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.58 | $196.60 |
| Median (P50) | $32.68 | $261.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.45 | $331.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.93 | $399.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $32.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.68/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, OH can expect to earn approximately $67,983 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,221. With a cost-of-living index of 95.47 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,307.37 | $5,665 | $67,983 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $784.42 | $3,399 | $40,790 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $522.95 | $2,266 | $27,193 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Columbus) | $32.68 |
| 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 Columbus, OH earn a median of $67,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.30% above the Ohio state average of $66,451.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.68/hr = $40,790/year (purchasing power: $42,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,983/year (purchasing power: $71,210).
CoL index: 95.469 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbus grew 24.8% from $25.41/hr (2019) to $31.72/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.68/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Considering a part-time role for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) would result in an annual take-home pay significantly lower than that of a full-time colleague, yet still providing a crucial income stream. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Columbus often offers a premium of 10-25% above traditional staff positions, making it an attractive option for those not seeking full-time commitments but wanting to maximize earnings. Compensation can also vary widely based on the employer type; while large healthcare organizations tend to provide robust hourly rates along with benefits, private practices and community health centers may offer slightly lower wages but can offer more stability. As professionals consider their options, they may face trade-offs between higher hourly pay without benefits and positions offering comprehensive health insurance. Effective salary negotiation is crucial, especially in a city like Columbus, where understanding the local market can empower technologists to advocate for better pay packages relative to their personal needs.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Columbus?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Columbus?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Columbus. 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