Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $33.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Memphis, TN runs $33.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,902 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,947 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, Tennessee, the projected median hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists stands at $33.61, slightly above the national median of $33.05. This hourly rate translates into significant earnings, particularly advantageous for part-time workers seeking flexible schedules, such as those working three days a week. For these individuals, the earning potential can be appealing, given that the hourly range runs from $20.62 for entry-level positions to as high as $51.78 for top earners in the field. This information is drawn from reliable estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflects the competitive landscape for laboratory professionals in Memphis, where the demand for skilled technologists continues to grow.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.62 | $164.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.86 | $206.90 |
| Median (P50) | $33.61 | $268.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.29 | $354.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.78 | $414.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $33.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.61/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $69,912 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,334. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,344.47 | $5,826 | $69,912 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $806.68 | $3,496 | $41,947 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.79 | $2,330 | $27,965 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Memphis) | $33.61 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $69,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 8.00% above the Tennessee state average of $64,724.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.61/hr = $41,947/year (purchasing power: $45,506).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,912/year (purchasing power: $75,844).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Memphis grew 17.3% from $27.81/hr (2019) to $32.62/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.63/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Looking closely at the financial dynamics for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, part-time professionals working a 24-hour week can expect annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. For example, the part-time worker averages around $52,000 per year, compared to a full-time employee making approximately $69,902. Many technologists also explore per diem roles or agency work, which often command a premium hourly rate of approximately 10-25% over staff positions, making positions like these highly attractive in Memphis. Employers vary widely, with private practices and large healthcare organizations generally offering different compensation structures, which means that some technologists might choose a lower hourly rate at hospitals for the security of health benefits, whereas others may seek higher hourly pay with no benefits from specialty clinics. It's essential for professionals to understand these nuances and negotiate effectively, especially considering the varying needs across different employment settings in TN.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Memphis. 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