Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Bluffton, SC: $25.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Bluffton, SC runs $25.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Bluffton's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,968 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay in Bluffton, South Carolina, is projected to be $25.62. This figure falls significantly below the national hourly median of $33.05, indicating a regional discrepancy in compensation. For those in part-time roles, specifically working three days a week, the pay translates to a manageable income, especially in typical clinical settings such as hospitals and outpatient facilities. Entry-level positions might start around $16.68 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $39.71. These estimates underscore the potential for varied compensation, which is derived from annual salary data and reflects the unique market dynamics in Bluffton, SC.
About the Bluffton Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.68 | $133.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.76 | $158.10 |
| Median (P50) | $25.62 | $204.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.79 | $262.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.71 | $317.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bluffton
Based on $25.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.62/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bluffton, SC can expect to earn approximately $53,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,739. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bluffton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bluffton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,024.63 | $4,440 | $53,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $614.78 | $2,664 | $31,968 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $409.85 | $1,776 | $21,312 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Bluffton) | $25.62 |
| 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 Bluffton, SC earn a median of $53,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.48% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 13.90% below the South Carolina state average of $61,886.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.62/hr = $31,968/year (purchasing power: $34,938).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,281/year (purchasing power: $58,230).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Bluffton grew 18.5% from $20.98/hr (2019) to $24.86/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.39/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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton
Earning potential for part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists takes on a different context when evaluating annual income versus full-time roles. For those working a 24-hour schedule across three days, annual earnings may reach about $32,393, contrasting with full-time workers who might make significantly more. Meanwhile, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Bluffton can add a 10-25% premium over standard hourly rates, making these roles attractive for some as they provide flexibility while possibly enhancing income. Hourly rates also fluctuate across employer types in the area—from community health centers to larger healthcare organizations—reflecting differing budgets and compensation structures. While some professionals may prioritize income, the trade-off often involves benefits such as health insurance, which can make a lower hourly rate more appealing. For those negotiating pay, understanding these factors can help in achieving a compensation package that reflects both hourly wages and extra benefits effectively.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Bluffton in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Bluffton?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Bluffton paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Bluffton?
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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 Bluffton. 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 Bluffton 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