Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $31.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Watertown, SD runs $31.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,012 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,003 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, the median hourly rate for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is projected to be $31.25 in 2026. This rate is slightly below the national hourly median of $33.05, indicating that local professionals may earn less compared to their counterparts nationwide. For those working part-time, such as in per-diem positions or three-day-a-week schedules, the hourly pay translates into an annual income ranging significantly from entry-level rates around $20.57 to top earners earning $47.42 per hour. These estimates are based on annual salary projections and reflect the earnings potential across different environments, including hospitals and private laboratories, that are typical for this occupation.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.57 | $164.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.17 | $193.39 |
| Median (P50) | $31.25 | $250.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.52 | $316.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.42 | $379.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $31.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.25/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $65,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,502. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,250.08 | $5,417 | $65,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.05 | $3,250 | $39,003 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.03 | $2,167 | $26,002 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Watertown) | $31.25 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $65,012 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.42% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $67,580.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.25/hr = $39,003/year (purchasing power: $42,029).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,004/year (purchasing power: $70,048).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Watertown grew 18.5% from $25.60/hr (2019) to $30.33/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.20/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Looking at the earning potential for part-time workers, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours per week may take home around $39,000 annually, compared to full-time counterparts earning an average of about $65,012 each year. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Watertown can yield a premium, often ranging 10-25% above standard hourly wages, particularly within agency roles or locum tenens staffing. Hourly rates may fluctuate based on the type of employer, with private practices and community health centers generally offering different compensation structures compared to larger healthcare organizations. While some professionals might opt for higher hourly pay without benefits, factors such as health insurance and retirement plans can make slightly lower pay more attractive in the long run. When negotiating, it’s wise to consider your total compensation package, weighing both pay and benefits thoroughly for the best overall outcome.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Watertown?
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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