Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $43.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Portland, OR runs $43.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,666 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,395 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Portland, Oregon, the median hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists reaches $43.59, significantly higher than the national median of $33.05 per hour. This competitive rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in clinical settings where they perform essential tests that inform patient care. For those working part-time at three days a week, the hourly rate translates to a feasible income, while per-diem workers can benefit from the flexibility of temporary assignments that often align with this pay scale. The hourly wage varies broadly, ranging from $26.08 for entry-level positions up to $61.44 for seasoned technologists, showcasing the potential earnings throughout a career in this field. These insights are 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) | $26.08 | $208.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.87 | $262.96 |
| Median (P50) | $43.59 | $348.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.64 | $429.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.44 | $491.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $43.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.59/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $90,659 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,303. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,743.44 | $7,555 | $90,659 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,046.06 | $4,533 | $54,395 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $697.37 | $3,022 | $36,263 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Portland) | $43.59 |
| 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 Portland, OR earn a median of $90,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.91% higher than the national median of $68,734.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.59/hr = $54,395/year (purchasing power: $51,598).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,659/year (purchasing power: $85,997).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Portland grew 35.9% from $31.13/hr (2019) to $42.30/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.91/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 Portland 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 Portland
When evaluating the financial landscape of working part-time, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Portland averaging 24 hours per week can expect to earn roughly $54,576 annually, which is substantially lower than full-time earnings in the profession. However, many technologists find additional opportunities through per-diem arrangements, which can offer a pay premium of 10-25% over traditional staff positions. Pay rates can differ across employer types, with private practices typically offering lower wages than larger healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics. This discrepancy often leads some professionals to weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates that come with health insurance and retirement plans against the allure of higher hourly wages without benefits. To negotiate effectively in the Portland market, professionals should consider demonstrating their certifications and areas of specialization, as these can enhance their leverage in discussions about pay rates.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Portland?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Portland?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Portland. 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