Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $29.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Fairfax, VA runs $29.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,247 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,344 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfax, Virginia, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected at $29.92 for 2026, which reflects a 9.44% decrease when compared to the national median of $33.05. This rate is particularly relevant for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, who can expect to earn a decent hourly wage while balancing personal commitments. For per-diem workers in clinical settings, the potential for flexible hours offers a significant advantage, but with earnings that span a range from $19.20 to $44.99, emphasizing the vast opportunities available for entry-level to more seasoned technologists. This range showcases the differences in compensation based on experience and specific job responsibilities within the healthcare sector in Fairfax.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.20 | $153.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.87 | $183.00 |
| Median (P50) | $29.92 | $239.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.59 | $300.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.99 | $359.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $29.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.92/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $62,239 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,907. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,196.91 | $5,187 | $62,239 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.15 | $3,112 | $37,344 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.77 | $2,075 | $24,896 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Fairfax) | $29.92 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $62,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.44% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $65,181.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.92/hr = $37,344/year (purchasing power: $36,186).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,239/year (purchasing power: $60,310).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Fairfax grew 18.5% from $24.51/hr (2019) to $29.04/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.83/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
A medical and clinical laboratory technologist working part-time for 24 hours a week would generally take home about $37,297 annually, which is considerably less than full-time colleagues earning a more stable salary, which can reach upwards of $62,247 annually. Those choosing per-diem or agency roles often find that these positions pay a 10-25% premium over standard staff jobs, potentially making them more attractive despite inconsistent hours. The type of employer also impacts the hourly rate; working for larger healthcare institutions typically offers more robust benefits, compared to smaller private practices or community health centers that might compensate higher hourly rates but with fewer advantages. Negotiation becomes vital in this scenario—whether it's securing higher pay in lieu of benefits or understanding the full compensation package available from various employers can significantly affect a technologist's overall satisfaction in Fairfax's healthcare market.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Fairfax?
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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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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