Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Killeen, TX: $32.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Killeen, TX runs $32.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,030 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Killeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.1, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,211 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Killeen, Texas, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly rate is projected to be $32.22 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $33.05. This rate allows for a decent income level, particularly for part-time and per-diem positions common in various clinical settings. For instance, working three days a week could yield approximately $25,000 annually, which remains a viable option for many professionals seeking work-life balance. Entry-level laboratory technologists can expect to earn around $21.29 per hour, while top earners in the field can receive up to $51.12 per hour, reflecting a wide range of pay based on experience and the complexity of work assignments. These figures derive from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, ensuring accurate depictions of the labor market for this occupation.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.29 | $170.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.67 | $205.34 |
| Median (P50) | $32.22 | $257.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.32 | $330.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.12 | $408.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Killeen
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 Killeen, 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 91.13 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Killeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Killeen
| 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 (Killeen) | $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 Killeen, TX earn a median of $67,030 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.48% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 5.70% above the Texas state average of $63,415.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.22/hr = $40,211/year (purchasing power: $44,124).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,019/year (purchasing power: $73,540).
CoL index: 91.132 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.61/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 Killeen grew 31.9% from $23.71/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 Killeen 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 Killeen
When considering part-time work, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist employed for three days a week may find their earnings significantly impacted compared to those working full-time. Annually, this could amount to a take-home pay that aligns closely with their lifestyle goals but undeniably lags behind full-time earnings. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Killeen often comes with a premium that can range from 10-25% above standard staff positions, making it an attractive option for those open to flexible hours. Hourly rates can also vary depending on whether one is employed by private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics. Additionally, while some technologists might choose to accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others may prioritize the higher pay albeit without additional perks. Practical negotiation tips for hourly workers include emphasizing specific skills that align with employer needs and being open to discussing flexible arrangements that might enhance one's overall compensation package.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Killeen in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Killeen?
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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 Killeen. 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