Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Chester, PA: $26.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Chester, PA runs $26.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,024 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,010 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
At a median hourly pay of $26.45, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Chester, PA, find their compensation trailing the national average of $33.05. This aligns with the typical earnings in local healthcare settings such as hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, this hourly rate translates to a stable income despite fewer hours on the clock, making it an appealing option for many professionals. The hourly wage extends from $17.89 for entry-level roles to $40.04 for seasoned experts, providing a range that reflects the variations in experience and specific workplace environments. It's essential to note that these figures are derived from projected annual salary estimates, informing local practitioners of their earning potential in this specialized field.
About the Chester Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.89 | $143.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.90 | $167.17 |
| Median (P50) | $26.45 | $211.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.14 | $265.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.04 | $320.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chester
Based on $26.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.45/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $55,017 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,740. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,058.01 | $4,585 | $55,017 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $634.81 | $2,751 | $33,010 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $423.21 | $1,834 | $22,007 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Chester) | $26.45 |
| 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 Chester, PA earn a median of $55,024 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.95% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $56,961.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.45/hr = $33,010/year (purchasing power: $33,891).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,017/year (purchasing power: $56,485).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Chester grew 18.5% from $21.67/hr (2019) to $25.67/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.25/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 Chester 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 Chester
Shifting focus to earnings scenarios, those who commit to a part-time schedule, working three days a week at 24 hours total, can anticipate an annual income notably lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologists often enjoy pay that can exceed standard staffing rates by 10-25%, reflecting the temporary and flexible nature of their positions. In Chester, the diversity of employers—ranging from private practices to large healthcare organizations—further influences hourly compensation, with specialty clinics sometimes offering enhanced pay rates. A key consideration for many is the trade-off between hourly wages and benefits: while some might opt for lower pay to secure health insurance and job stability, others may seek the higher earnings associated with per-diem roles despite lacking such perks. Understanding this dynamic can empower professionals to negotiate their hourly rates effectively, ensuring their compensation aligns with both their financial needs and career aspirations in the medical laboratory landscape.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Chester in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Chester?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Chester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Chester?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Chester?
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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 Chester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chester is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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