Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Smyrna, TN: $31.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Smyrna, TN runs $31.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,424 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,260 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, TN, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $31.46 in 2026, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $33.05. This hourly wage translates to a potential income that can be particularly appealing for part-time professionals, especially those working three days a week in clinical settings, who may earn around $1,840 per month. For per-diem workers, who often fill in as needed, the flexibility can result in an hourly rate within the range of $19.36 to $48.76, providing opportunities for higher earnings at the upper end for those with significant experience and qualifications. Entry-level technologists can expect to start around $19.36, while established professionals can achieve hourly rates nearing $48.76, illustrating a range for different levels of expertise in this growing field.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee 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) | $19.36 | $154.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.51 | $188.11 |
| Median (P50) | $31.46 | $251.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.26 | $322.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.76 | $390.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $31.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.46/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, TN can expect to earn approximately $65,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,750. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,258.32 | $5,453 | $65,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $754.99 | $3,272 | $39,260 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.33 | $2,181 | $26,173 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Smyrna) | $31.46 |
| 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 Smyrna, TN earn a median of $65,424 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.82% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $64,712.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.46/hr = $39,260/year (purchasing power: $42,767).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,433/year (purchasing power: $71,278).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Smyrna grew 18.5% from $25.77/hr (2019) to $30.53/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.41/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Smyrna who work a consistent 24 hours a week can take home an annual income that reflects their reduced schedule. Compared to full-time workers, this part-time commitment offers less financial security, although it allows for a more flexible lifestyle. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Smyrna often includes a premium of 10-25% above traditional staff hourly rates, providing an enticing option for those willing to work sporadically in various settings. The hourly rates can vary dramatically based on employer types; private practices may offer lower rates compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics which can afford to pay competitively. Additionally, while some technologists might prefer higher hourly pay without benefits, others opt for slightly lower rates in exchange for comprehensive healthcare coverage and job stability. Successfully negotiating pay often hinges upon understanding these dynamics, as well as being aware of typical compensation across different employers in Smyrna.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Smyrna in 2026?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Smyrna?
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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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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