Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Burien, WA: $31.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Burien, WA runs $31.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,740 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Burien's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,440 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $31.60 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $33.05. This hourly rate presents significant earning potential, especially for part-time and per-diem workers who may average about 24 hours a week. Hospital and clinical settings frequently utilize per-diem technologists, who can command more flexible schedules and varied experiences across different work environments. For those starting in the field, the hourly pay can begin around $20.27, while established professionals can earn up to $48.99 per hour, showcasing a generous spectrum depending on experience and specific employer characteristics. It's essential to consider that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary estimates, influenced by the broader healthcare employment market in the area.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.27 | $162.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.25 | $193.96 |
| Median (P50) | $31.60 | $252.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.45 | $323.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.99 | $391.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burien
Based on $31.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.60/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burien, WA can expect to earn approximately $65,733 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,923. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burien.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burien
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,264.09 | $5,478 | $65,733 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $758.46 | $3,287 | $39,440 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.64 | $2,191 | $26,293 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Burien) | $31.60 |
| 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 Burien, WA earn a median of $65,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.36% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $66,070.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.60/hr = $39,440/year (purchasing power: $36,722).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,733/year (purchasing power: $61,204).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burien grew 18.5% from $25.89/hr (2019) to $30.67/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.56/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 Burien 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 Burien
Focusing on part-time work, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist putting in three days a week could expect to earn roughly $49,555 annually, which does not account for benefits like health coverage that full-time roles might offer. Per diem rates often exceed standard staff wages by 10-25%, making per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Burien particularly attractive to those valuing flexible work arrangements. Hourly rates can also vary based on the type of employer; large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics may offer different pay scales compared to smaller community practices. Many professionals in this field may encounter trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and the stability offered by full-time employment. For effective salary negotiations, understanding the local market and highlighting specific skills or certifications can be advantageous, particularly as employers compete for skilled technologists in the growing healthcare sector.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burien in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Burien?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Burien paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Burien?
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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 Burien. 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 Burien 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