Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Lakeland, FL: $26.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Lakeland, FL runs $26.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,136 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Lakeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,087 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lakeland, FL, the median pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist sits at $26.51 per hour, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.05 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the potential earnings for those starting out as well as for experienced professionals, with entry-level positions offering around $19.11 per hour and top earners making up to $48.10 hourly. For part-time workers, such as those taking on a 3-day workweek, hours can total around 24 weekly, making this occupation attractive for individuals seeking flexibility while earning a competitive wage. Per-diem opportunities may also be available, further enhancing the appeal of working in clinical settings, where various medical facilities and labs rely on skilled technologists. This information is derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.11 | $152.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.78 | $166.27 |
| Median (P50) | $26.51 | $212.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.91 | $319.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.10 | $384.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakeland
Based on $26.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.51/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakeland, FL can expect to earn approximately $55,145 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,815. With a cost-of-living index of 97.14 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,060.49 | $4,595 | $55,145 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $636.29 | $2,757 | $33,087 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $424.20 | $1,838 | $22,058 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Lakeland) | $26.51 |
| 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 Lakeland, FL earn a median of $55,136 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.78% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 13.70% below the Florida state average of $63,888.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.51/hr = $33,087/year (purchasing power: $34,061).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,145/year (purchasing power: $56,768).
CoL index: 97.141 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Lakeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lakeland grew 17.8% from $21.84/hr (2019) to $25.73/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.32/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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland
Examining the financial landscape for part-time workers reveals a different story when it comes to annual income. A medical and clinical laboratory technologist on a 3-day workweek could expect to take home significantly less than a full-time counterpart, yet still manage a respectable annual income when calculated against a typical part-time schedule. For those opting for per diem roles, earnings may see a premium of about 10-25% compared to regular staffing rates, providing lucrative opportunities particularly in high-demand settings. Hourly rates can also differ across various employer types in Lakeland, including private practices, community health centers, and larger healthcare organizations, where benefits offered may influence overall compensation. In many cases, medical and clinical laboratory technologists might face a trade-off between lower hourly pay with benefits and higher rates without health coverage. Furthermore, workers should consider practical negotiation strategies, emphasizing their value and experience, especially in a market like Lakeland, which offers its own specific economic conditions affecting wages.
More salary data for Lakeland, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Lakeland in 2026?
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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 Lakeland. 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