Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Salem, OR: $41.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Salem, OR runs $41.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,892 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,540 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Salem, Oregon, the hourly compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists stands at a median rate of $41.30, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $33.05. This favorable pay structure reflects not only local demand for skilled professionals but also the benefits that come with working in clinical settings, whether on a full-time, part-time, or per-diem basis. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this equates to a substantial income that supports financial stability while allowing flexibility. The hourly wage span ranges from $26.97 for entry-level positions to $60.65 for experienced specialists, providing a variety of opportunities based on expertise and contribution. These figures 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) | $26.97 | $215.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.62 | $244.99 |
| Median (P50) | $41.30 | $330.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.58 | $412.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.65 | $485.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $41.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.30/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, OR can expect to earn approximately $85,901 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,558. With a cost-of-living index of 103.65 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,651.94 | $7,158 | $85,901 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $991.16 | $4,295 | $51,540 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.77 | $2,863 | $34,360 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Salem) | $41.30 |
| 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 Salem, OR earn a median of $85,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.96% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 5.30% below the Oregon state average of $90,699.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.30/hr = $51,540/year (purchasing power: $49,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,901/year (purchasing power: $82,877).
CoL index: 103.649 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+83.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Salem grew 72.7% from $23.21/hr (2019) to $40.08/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.55/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 Salem 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 Salem
When considering a part-time schedule, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week in Salem could see annual earnings of approximately $51,310, which would still allow for a balanced work-life while maintaining a respectable income. Per diem roles can be particularly lucrative; these positions often command a 10-25% premium over traditional W-2 pay, making them an appealing option for those seeking flexibility in their schedules. Hourly rates may vary widely depending on the employer, ranging from private practices to large healthcare networks. Some technologists might opt for positions that offer lower hourly wages but come with essential benefits like healthcare and retirement plans. To negotiate effectively, it's advisable to research typical compensation trends in Salem and make a case for a rate that reflects both skills and local market conditions.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Salem?
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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 Salem. 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