Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Charleston, WV: $33.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Charleston, WV runs $33.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,788 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.7, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,279 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Hourly compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Charleston, WV, reveals a median rate of $33.08, slightly above the national median of $33.05. This competitive hourly pay reflects the growing demand for skilled technologists in various healthcare settings. For part-time professionals working three days a week, earning this hourly rate can lead to a substantial income while providing flexibility. Entry-level workers may start at $20.81 per hour, whereas experienced technologists can command up to $43.91, showcasing a broad range of earning potential within the city. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, emphasizing the career's stability and opportunity for advancement.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.81 | $166.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.50 | $196.02 |
| Median (P50) | $33.08 | $264.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.05 | $280.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.91 | $351.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $33.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.08/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $68,798 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,691. With a cost-of-living index of 88.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,323.03 | $5,733 | $68,798 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $793.82 | $3,440 | $41,279 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $529.21 | $2,293 | $27,519 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Charleston) | $33.08 |
| 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 Charleston, WV earn a median of $68,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.08% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 2.10% above the West Virginia state average of $67,374.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.08/hr = $41,279/year (purchasing power: $46,528).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,798/year (purchasing power: $77,547).
CoL index: 88.717 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Charleston grew 41.7% from $22.65/hr (2019) to $32.10/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.08/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
For medical and clinical laboratory technologists considering a part-time role in Charleston, the hourly rate translates into an annual income that can vary significantly compared to full-time employment. For instance, working 24 hours a week at the median rate yields approximately $41,162, which is lower than a full-time salary, but still a viable option for those balancing other commitments. On the other hand, per diem positions can offer a premium pay rate that exceeds typical staff wages by as much as 10-25%, which is particularly appealing for those seeking flexibility or supplemental income. The hourly wages in Charleston also fluctuate depending on the type of employer—be it private practices, large healthcare organizations, or community health centers—affecting total compensation. While some technologists may opt for lower hourly rates with benefits like health insurance, others might favor higher pay with no benefits. When negotiating hourly pay, discussing specific skills and certifications relevant to the role can be advantageous for securing the best rate in Charleston.
More salary data for Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Charleston?
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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 Charleston. 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