Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $37.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in San Rafael, CA runs $37.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,829 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,297 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, California, the projected median hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in 2026 stands at $37.90. This rate is notably higher than the national median of $33.05, highlighting the competitive compensation in this region. For part-time professionals working three days a week, which typically amounts to about 24 hours, the earnings can be substantial, enhancing overall financial flexibility without the demands of full-time hours. Additionally, the hourly wage for this role ranges from $23.52 at entry-level positions to $58.74 for experienced specialists, reflecting a diverse spectrum of career stages within the profession. These hourly rates, derived from annual salary estimates, offer a clear understanding of the financial landscape confronting medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Rafael.
About the San Rafael 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) | $23.52 | $188.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.51 | $228.09 |
| Median (P50) | $37.90 | $303.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.51 | $388.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.74 | $469.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $37.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.90/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,828 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,478. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,515.92 | $6,569 | $78,828 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $909.55 | $3,941 | $47,297 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $606.37 | $2,628 | $31,531 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (San Rafael) | $37.90 |
| 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 San Rafael, CA earn a median of $78,829 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.69% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.50% above the California state average of $77,664.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.90/hr = $47,297/year (purchasing power: $41,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,828/year (purchasing power: $69,698).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Rafael grew 18.5% from $31.05/hr (2019) to $36.78/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.05/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 San Rafael 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 San Rafael
Considering the dynamics of part-time work, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist clocking in for 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $46,679 annually if maintaining the median hourly pay. This earning potential presents an attractive option compared to full-time roles, particularly for those preferring a balance between work and personal life. Furthermore, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in San Rafael can command a premium, with rates often exceeding regular W-2 pay by 10-25%, offering flexibility and higher immediate compensation at the cost of benefits. Variations in hourly rates can depend heavily on the employer type; larger healthcare organizations may offer more competitive wages compared to private practices. Therefore, technicians may weigh the trade-off between accepting lower hourly pay for comprehensive health insurance versus pursuing higher-paying roles with no benefits. For those in the job market, negotiating shifts or securing roles in specialized clinics can be beneficial strategies for maximizing pay in this vibrant sector.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Rafael in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in San Rafael?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in San Rafael paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Rafael?
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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 San Rafael. 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 San Rafael 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