Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $30.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Charleston, SC runs $30.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,038 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $30.48, which is slightly lower than the national median of $33.05. This hourly wage translates into significant earning potential for part-time workers who might be employed three days a week, or for those opting for per-diem positions within various clinical settings. For entry-level technologists just starting out, the hourly rate can begin as low as $18.92, while experienced professionals and top earners in the field can command rates as high as $42.82. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, reflect both the competitive nature of the job market and the importance of specialized skills in achieving higher pay.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.92 | $151.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.79 | $190.34 |
| Median (P50) | $30.48 | $243.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.62 | $308.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.82 | $342.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $30.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.48/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $63,397 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,575. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,219.17 | $5,283 | $63,397 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.50 | $3,170 | $38,038 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.67 | $2,113 | $25,359 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Charleston) | $30.48 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $63,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.75% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.40% above the South Carolina state average of $61,918.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.48/hr = $38,038/year (purchasing power: $37,676).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,397/year (purchasing power: $62,793).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Charleston grew 9.3% from $27.06/hr (2019) to $29.58/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.41/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
The dynamics of hourly compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Charleston can vary greatly. For instance, a part-time worker taking on 24 hours per week at the hourly rate could expect to bring home approximately $37,692 annually, contrasting sharply with the full-time average salary. Those pursuing per-diem opportunities often find that agency rates can offer a premium of 10-25% over standard staff wages, making this route appealing for those willing to forgo job stability for potentially higher pay. Employers such as private practices, large healthcare organizations, and community health centers typically offer different hourly rates, with specialty clinics sometimes presenting even more varied compensation structures. Many technologists accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, underscoring the need for careful consideration of overall compensation packages. For those negotiating pay, it’s crucial to understand the local market rates and highlight relevant experience, particularly when seeking opportunities in Charleston's diverse healthcare settings.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Charleston?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Charleston?
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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 Charleston. 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