Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $41.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Seattle, WA runs $41.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,379 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,219 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Seattle, WA, can expect an impressive median hourly rate of $41.04, significantly higher than the national median of $33.05. This elevated hourly pay reflects the region's demand for skilled professionals in clinical settings, allowing those who work part-time or per diem to earn competitive wages. For example, part-time workers operating three days a week could see their earnings translate into substantial monthly compensation, while entry-level technologists earn around $25.83 per hour, with top-tier professionals in the field reaching up to $64.94 hourly. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, illustrates the diverse earning potential in Seattle's healthcare sector.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.83 | $206.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.30 | $258.42 |
| Median (P50) | $41.04 | $328.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.53 | $428.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.94 | $519.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $41.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.04/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $85,365 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,249. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,641.63 | $7,114 | $85,365 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $984.98 | $4,268 | $51,219 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $656.65 | $2,845 | $34,146 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Seattle) | $41.04 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $85,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.22% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 29.30% above the Washington state average of $66,032.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.04/hr = $51,219/year (purchasing power: $46,088).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,365/year (purchasing power: $76,813).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Seattle grew 37.6% from $28.94/hr (2019) to $39.83/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.29/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Seattle can gain rewarding financial outcomes even while working limited hours. For instance, a technologist working 24 hours per week could earn around $51,000 annually, a modest sum compared to full-time counterparts, but still competitive within the local market. Per diem opportunities often enhance earning potential, with rates running 10-25% higher than standard staff pay, making per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Seattle appealing for those seeking flexibility. Compensation can differ significantly across employer types; private practices may offer lower hourly rates compared to larger healthcare organizations, which typically provide more comprehensive benefits packages. This trade-off often leads professionals to choose between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates with health insurance. For those negotiating offers, understanding the nuances of employer policies and communicating willingness to work varied schedules can create leverage in securing favorable pay rates.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Seattle in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Seattle?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Seattle paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Seattle?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Seattle?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Seattle. 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