Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in South Charleston, WV: $31.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in South Charleston, WV runs $31.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against South Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,720 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Charleston, WV, the projected median hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $31.03, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $33.05. This compensation level can be particularly relevant for part-time professionals or those seeking per-diem work in clinical settings, as it provides a baseline for income potential. The typical hourly range in this profession stretches from $20.22 for entry-level positions to $45.78 for top earners, implying significant financial growth opportunities for those advancing their careers. These hourly rates are estimated based on derived annual salary data, and they reflect the competitive landscape of medical laboratory roles within the region.
About the South Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.22 | $161.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.85 | $190.83 |
| Median (P50) | $31.03 | $248.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.43 | $307.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.78 | $366.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Charleston
Based on $31.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.03/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $64,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,230. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,241.01 | $5,378 | $64,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.61 | $3,227 | $38,720 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.41 | $2,151 | $25,813 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (South Charleston) | $31.03 |
| 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 South Charleston, WV earn a median of $64,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.11% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.20% below the West Virginia state average of $67,364.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.03/hr = $38,720/year (purchasing power: $44,763).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,533/year (purchasing power: $74,604).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in South Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Charleston grew 18.5% from $25.42/hr (2019) to $30.11/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.97/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 South 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 South Charleston
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working three days a week, or roughly 24 hours, could expect to earn about $38,071 annually, given the median hourly pay. In contrast, those opting for per diem roles often see a 10-25% premium over regular staff wages, making per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in South Charleston quite attractive for flexible work arrangements. Hourly compensation can vary significantly depending on the type of employer, with private practices, large healthcare organizations, and community health centers offering differing rates. Accepting lower hourly rates might come with benefits such as health insurance, which some professionals find essential, while others may prefer the higher pay that accompanies positions without such perks. When negotiating rates, it's advisable for workers to emphasize their credentials and experience, as these can substantially bolster their bargaining position within the local market.
More salary data for South Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in South Charleston?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in South Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in South Charleston?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in South 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 South 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
Salary data for South Charleston 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