Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $31.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Kent, WA runs $31.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,930 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,555 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kent, Washington, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly rate of $31.70, which is slightly lower than the national median of $33.05. This hourly wage provides a comfortable living for those working full-time, while part-time employees, typically clocking in around 24 hours a week, can still find this rate beneficial. For part-time and per-diem workers in clinical settings, the pay structure is flexible, offering an opportunity to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments. Additionally, the hourly rates for these technologists range widely; entry-level positions start around $19.99, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $49.13, reflecting a diverse earning potential within the field.
About the Kent 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) | $19.99 | $159.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.12 | $192.97 |
| Median (P50) | $31.70 | $253.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.58 | $324.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.13 | $393.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $31.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.70/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $65,926 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,034. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,267.80 | $5,494 | $65,926 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $760.68 | $3,296 | $39,555 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.12 | $2,198 | $26,370 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Kent) | $31.70 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $65,930 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $66,062.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.70/hr = $39,555/year (purchasing power: $36,830).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,926/year (purchasing power: $61,383).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Kent grew 18.5% from $25.96/hr (2019) to $30.76/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.66/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 Kent 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 Kent
Examining the earning potential of medical and clinical laboratory technologists reveals different dynamics when factoring in part-time and per-diem arrangements. A technologist working three days a week could bring home approximately $49,561 annually, whereas full-time employment would yield a significantly higher total. Per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Kent often commands a premium, with rates typically running 10-25% more than standard W-2 staff compensation, enticing many professionals looking for flexibility. These hourly rates can vary based on the employer; for example, private practices may offer lower pay compared to large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that potentially provide more robust benefits. Weighing the trade-offs of hourly pay versus benefits becomes crucial, as some choose lower hourly wages that include health insurance instead of opting for higher hourly rates lacking those perks. When negotiating contracts or hourly rates in Kent, professionals should emphasize their skills and flexibility while considering the implications of both hourly compensation and benefits in their overall career strategy.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Kent in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Kent?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Kent paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Kent?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kent?
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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 Kent. 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 Kent 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