Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Buena Park, CA: $37.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Buena Park, CA runs $37.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Buena Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,207 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, the projected median hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is $37.83, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $33.05. This higher pay reflects the specific demands and expectations within local healthcare settings. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a solid income for providing vital diagnostic services in clinical environments. Entry-level workers can expect to earn around $23.40 per hour, while experienced technologists at the higher end of the pay scale may earn up to $58.63 per hour. Such an hourly rate enables workers to negotiate shifts that accommodate their personal schedules while ensuring they receive fair compensation for their expertise. Estimates of these hourly rates are inferred from broader annual salary data specific to the field.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.40 | $187.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.37 | $226.94 |
| Median (P50) | $37.83 | $302.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.42 | $387.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.63 | $469.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buena Park
Based on $37.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.83/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buena Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,678 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,391. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buena Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buena Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,513.04 | $6,557 | $78,678 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $907.82 | $3,934 | $47,207 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.22 | $2,623 | $31,471 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Buena Park) | $37.83 |
| 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 Buena Park, CA earn a median of $78,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.47% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.30% above the California state average of $77,672.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.83/hr = $47,207/year (purchasing power: $41,739).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,678/year (purchasing power: $69,565).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Buena Park grew 18.5% from $30.99/hr (2019) to $36.71/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.98/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 Buena Park 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 Buena Park
Examining the full financial picture provides a clearer understanding of what part-time work looks like in this profession. A medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $46,560 annually, compared to a full-time worker's earnings, which can be considerably higher. For those considering per diem or agency work, the reality typically includes earning 10-25% more than standard staff pay due to the flexibility and specialty of such positions. Employers across Buena Park, whether they are private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics, tend to offer varied compensation packages. Some technologists opt for lower hourly rates that come with benefits like health insurance, while others may prefer higher pay with fewer perks. Those in the field should consider practical negotiation strategies that reflect the local market, including the premium rates for per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Buena Park and how these rates can effectively boost income.
More salary data for Buena Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Buena Park in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Buena Park?
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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 Buena Park. 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 Buena Park 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