Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Austin, TX: $31.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Austin, TX runs $31.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,064 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,041 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Austin, Texas, the hourly earnings for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist average $31.28, which falls below the national hourly median of $33.05. This rate offers competitive pay for both full-time and part-time positions, making it an attractive option for professionals who prefer flexibility. With an hourly range spanning from $19.27 at the entry level to $49.43 for top earners, the potential for growth and higher earnings significantly depends on experience and specialization. According to projections based on 2025 BLS data, these figures reflect the ongoing demand for skilled labor in medical settings, where technologists play a vital role in patient care and diagnostics.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.27 | $154.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.54 | $196.35 |
| Median (P50) | $31.28 | $250.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.74 | $317.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.43 | $395.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $31.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.28/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, TX can expect to earn approximately $65,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,540. With a cost-of-living index of 98.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,251.32 | $5,422 | $65,069 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.79 | $3,253 | $39,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.53 | $2,169 | $26,027 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Austin) | $31.28 |
| 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 Austin, TX earn a median of $65,064 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.34% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.60% above the Texas state average of $63,415.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.28/hr = $39,041/year (purchasing power: $39,811).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,069/year (purchasing power: $66,352).
CoL index: 98.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Austin grew 29.5% from $23.45/hr (2019) to $30.36/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.23/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 Austin 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 Austin
Taking on a part-time position, such as a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours, can result in a substantial income when considering the median hourly wages. For instance, those hours could translate to nearly $38,878 annually, showcasing a viable income stream compared to a full-time role. On the other hand, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Austin often commands a premium, with rates that can exceed staff wages by 10% to 25%. Compensation can vary significantly based on the employer type; private practices may offer different rates compared to large healthcare facilities or community health centers. Such variations highlight the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus more stable paychecks that include health insurance. For workers navigating these options in Austin, it is crucial to understand that effective negotiation can lead to improved hourly compensation, particularly when balancing benefits with desired pay.
More salary data for Austin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Austin in 2026?
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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 Austin. 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