Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $31.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in North Charleston, SC runs $31.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,755 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Charleston, SC, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly rate of $31.13, which is slightly lower than the national median of $33.05. This hourly pay can have a significant impact on part-time workers who may typically operate on a three-day workweek, equating to 24 hours. For these part-time professionals, annual earnings can vary quite a bit depending on their hours and the specific laboratory settings where they work. The hourly range for this occupation spans from $18.05 for entry-level positions to as high as $48.25 for top earners, reflecting the potential for growth and specialization in the field. The figures presented are estimates derived from annual salary data, giving a comprehensive view of what to expect within this role in North Charleston.
About the North Charleston 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) | $18.05 | $144.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.24 | $193.88 |
| Median (P50) | $31.13 | $249.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.85 | $318.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.25 | $386.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $31.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.13/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $64,747 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,354. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,245.14 | $5,396 | $64,747 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.08 | $3,237 | $38,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.05 | $2,158 | $25,899 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (North Charleston) | $31.13 |
| 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $64,755 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.79% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.60% above the South Carolina state average of $61,908.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.13/hr = $38,848/year (purchasing power: $42,457).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,747/year (purchasing power: $70,762).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in North Charleston grew 18.5% from $25.50/hr (2019) to $30.21/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.07/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 North 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 North Charleston
There are several key factors affecting the hourly compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in North Charleston. For those working part-time, a 24-hour workweek translates to about $38,062 annually, which is a considerable income for flexible scheduling, especially for those balancing additional responsibilities. In contrast, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in North Charleston could see a 10-25% premium, reflecting the demand for adaptable coverage in various clinical settings. Hourly rates can differ by employer type, with larger healthcare organizations typically offering more comprehensive benefit packages, while smaller private practices may provide higher pay at the cost of fewer perks. In negotiating pay, technologists should consider how much they value benefits versus hourly wages, as this can greatly influence their total compensation. Being aware of regional differences in pay helps inform better negotiation strategies tailored to this specific market in SC.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in North Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in North Charleston?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in North Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in North Charleston?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in North 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 North 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
Salary data for North Charleston 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