Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Athens, GA: $31.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Athens, GA runs $31.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,839 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.3, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,504 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Athens, Georgia, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is set at a median of $31.65, which is slightly below the national average of $33.05. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time professionals in the healthcare field. For those working part-time three days a week, this could equate to significant income while maintaining flexibility, making it an attractive option for many in clinical settings. The hourly range for this profession spans from $19.69 for entry-level positions to $53.58 for top earners, reflecting the diverse levels of experience and specialization among medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the region. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.69 | $157.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.54 | $188.36 |
| Median (P50) | $31.65 | $253.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.92 | $343.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.58 | $428.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $31.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.65/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, GA can expect to earn approximately $65,840 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,985. With a cost-of-living index of 93.34 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,266.16 | $5,487 | $65,840 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $759.69 | $3,292 | $39,504 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.46 | $2,195 | $26,336 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Athens) | $31.65 |
| 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 Athens, GA earn a median of $65,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.21% lower than the national median of $68,734.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.65/hr = $39,504/year (purchasing power: $42,321).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,840/year (purchasing power: $70,536).
CoL index: 93.343 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Athens grew 23.5% from $24.87/hr (2019) to $30.72/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.62/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 Athens 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 Athens
Considering the earning potential for part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Athens is crucial when evaluating work options. A technologist working 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $49,362 annually, which can be quite appealing compared to full-time earnings. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Athens often brings additional benefits, with agency rates typically ranging 10-25% higher than standard staff positions, enticing many to consider this pathway. Hourly rates can also differ based on employer types; those in large healthcare organizations may earn less than their counterparts in specialty clinics, where higher expertise or unique skill sets are required. When negotiating compensation, professionals should weigh the benefits of health insurance against potentially higher hourly rates without benefits, ensuring they align their choices with personal and career goals.
More salary data for Athens, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Athens?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Athens?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Athens. 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