Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $31.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Jonesboro, AR runs $31.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,495 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,903 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jonesboro, Arkansas, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly rate of $31.97. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $33.05, reflecting Jonesboro's cost of living index, which is below the national average. For part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week, this median translates to a substantial income when combined with flexible scheduling, often allowing for work-life balance in demanding clinical environments. Entry-level professionals in the field can expect to start at around $17.47 per hour, while the most experienced technologists may earn up to $43.13. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a reliable snapshot of the compensation landscape for this occupation in Jonesboro.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.47 | $139.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.81 | $174.51 |
| Median (P50) | $31.97 | $255.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.39 | $291.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.13 | $345.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $31.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.97/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $66,504 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,368. With a cost-of-living index of 85.88 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,278.93 | $5,542 | $66,504 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $767.36 | $3,325 | $39,903 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $511.57 | $2,217 | $26,602 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Jonesboro) | $31.97 |
| 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 Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $66,495 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.26% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 24.20% above the Arkansas state average of $53,538.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.97/hr = $39,903/year (purchasing power: $46,465).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,504/year (purchasing power: $77,442).
CoL index: 85.876 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Jonesboro grew 40.2% from $22.14/hr (2019) to $31.03/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.95/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 Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro
For those considering part-time positions, working as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist for 24 hours a week could yield an annual income that is significantly lower than full-time work, though still viable. Per diem roles are increasingly popular in this field, as they offer flexibility and often come with pay that is 10-25% higher than standard rates, catering to the demand for temporary coverage in both public and private healthcare settings. Variations in hourly pay often depend on the type of employer — large healthcare organizations may offer higher rates compared to smaller practices or community health centers. However, many professionals accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which can provide long-term financial security. When negotiating pay in Jonesboro, it’s advisable to be aware of these dynamics and consider both the hourly wage and the benefits package being offered, ensuring informed decisions on employment opportunities.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Jonesboro. 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