Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $37.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $37.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,067 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,834 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Costa Mesa enjoy a median hourly pay of $37.53, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.05. This difference reflects the higher cost of living in California and the demand for skilled professionals in the field. For those working part-time in clinical settings, such as perhaps three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a substantial income while still providing the flexibility to balance work and personal commitments. The hourly wage range in Costa Mesa extends from $22.98 for entry-level positions to an impressive $58.18 for experienced technologists, illustrating the potential for growth within the profession.
About the Costa Mesa 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) | $22.98 | $183.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.04 | $224.30 |
| Median (P50) | $37.53 | $300.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.04 | $384.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.18 | $465.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $37.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.53/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,057 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,033. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,501.09 | $6,505 | $78,057 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $900.65 | $3,903 | $46,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $600.43 | $2,602 | $31,223 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Costa Mesa) | $37.53 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $78,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.50% above the California state average of $77,679.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.53/hr = $46,834/year (purchasing power: $41,409).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,057/year (purchasing power: $69,015).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Costa Mesa grew 18.5% from $30.74/hr (2019) to $36.42/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.67/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
Considering part-time work, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours per week can expect to take home approximately $46,447 annually, a notable difference compared to a full-time position. For those seeking more flexibility, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Costa Mesa can exceed regular staff wages by 10-25%, making it an appealing option for many professionals. Employment in various settings can affect hourly rates as well—technologists in private practices may earn differently than those working in large hospitals or community health centers. Some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer flexibility offered by higher hourly pay without such perks. When negotiating pay, consider emphasizing your specific skills and experience, as well as researching rates across different employer types to negotiate effectively in the dynamic market of Costa Mesa.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Costa Mesa?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Costa Mesa?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Costa Mesa?
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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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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