Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Houston, TX: $32.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Houston, TX runs $32.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,008 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Houston's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.6, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,211 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houston, the hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to be $32.22 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $33.05. This difference highlights the unique market dynamics in the area, catering to diverse roles ranging from full-time positions to part-time and per-diem opportunities, which are common in clinical settings. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a stable income while providing flexibility. Entry-level positions begin at about $20.70 per hour, while top earners can make up to $51.72, reflecting the wide range of skills and experiences in the Houston workforce. This data, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicates the viable earning potential for technologists, especially as healthcare demands evolve.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.70 | $165.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.66 | $197.26 |
| Median (P50) | $32.22 | $257.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.92 | $327.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.72 | $413.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houston
Based on $32.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.22/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houston, TX can expect to earn approximately $67,019 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,665. With a cost-of-living index of 98.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,288.82 | $5,585 | $67,019 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $773.29 | $3,351 | $40,211 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.53 | $2,234 | $26,808 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Houston) | $32.22 |
| 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 Houston, TX earn a median of $67,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.51% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 5.60% above the Texas state average of $63,454.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.22/hr = $40,211/year (purchasing power: $40,770).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,019/year (purchasing power: $67,950).
CoL index: 98.629 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Houston grew 22.4% from $25.54/hr (2019) to $31.27/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.20/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 Houston 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 Houston
Part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working a typical 24-hour week in Houston can earn a substantial income, but it is essential to consider their annual take-home compared to full-time professionals. For instance, part-time workers might take home around $40,000 annually, a figure that can vary based on the number of hours worked. Those in per-diem roles can often command a pay rate that exceeds the standard hourly wage by 10-25%, making it an attractive option for many. In contrast, hourly rates can differ across various employer types in Houston; private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics often offer distinct compensation packages. While some technologists may prefer the higher hourly rates associated with per-diem positions, they must weigh the benefits of healthcare coverage and paid time off often provided by full-time roles. In this competitive market, effective negotiation strategies are crucial. Understanding your worth in the context of local demand can empower you to make informed decisions about your hourly pay and possible benefits, ensuring a fulfilling career as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Houston, TX.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
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 Houston. 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