Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $25.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Benton, AR runs $25.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,441 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,467 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the typical pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is projected to be around $25.21 per hour in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the national average of $33.05 per hour, highlighting a regional disparity in compensation. For those working part-time—such as professionals taking on three 8-hour shifts a week—the earnings will be directly influenced by this hourly rate, with a potential annual income of about $31,000 before taxes. Additionally, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Benton may vary but could offer flexibility and competitive rates, generally translating to earnings in the range of $15.44 to $38.84 hourly for those entering or excelling in this field. The hourly rates reflect a broad range; entry-level technicians could start around $15.44 per hour, while more experienced professionals might reach up to $38.84 or even higher, depending on their skillset and employer type.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas 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) | $15.44 | $123.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.80 | $150.44 |
| Median (P50) | $25.21 | $201.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.99 | $255.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.84 | $310.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $25.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.21/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $52,445 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,257. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,008.56 | $4,370 | $52,445 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $605.13 | $2,622 | $31,467 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.42 | $1,748 | $20,978 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Benton) | $25.21 |
| 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 Benton, AR earn a median of $52,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.70% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $53,511.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.21/hr = $31,467/year (purchasing power: $36,211).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,445/year (purchasing power: $60,351).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Benton grew 18.5% from $20.66/hr (2019) to $24.47/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.98/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 Benton 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 Benton
For individuals contemplating a part-time position, working just 24 hours a week could yield a substantially different annual take-home compared to full-time roles. A part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Benton would likely earn less annually than their full-time counterparts, impacting benefits eligibility, including health insurance. On the other hand, many professionals opt for per diem roles—often earning a premium of 10-25% over regular staff pay—which can be particularly appealing when looking to balance hours with personal life. Compensation can vary considerably depending on the setting; private practices and specialty clinics may offer lower hourly rates but provide steadier hours and benefits, while larger healthcare organizations might present higher wages but with more stringent schedules. For those seeking to negotiate their hourly pay in Benton, focusing on the value of benefits versus hourly rates is essential, as some may prioritize job security and health insurance over potentially higher pay without these perks. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for aspiring laboratory technologists in the region.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Benton in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Benton?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Benton?
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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 Benton. 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 Benton 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