Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $38.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Chicago, IL runs $38.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,781 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,467 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, the hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists averages $38.84, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.05. This competitive salary reflects both the cost of living in the area and the demand for skilled professionals in various healthcare settings. Part-time workers, commonly finding roles in hospitals or private laboratories, can expect to earn over $23.41 at entry-level positions, while experienced technologists may command rates as high as $52.94 per hour. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data for 2026 underscores that this field is not only viable for full-time roles but also appealing for those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities, offering flexibility alongside a promising return.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.41 | $187.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.26 | $226.11 |
| Median (P50) | $38.84 | $310.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.13 | $353.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.94 | $423.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $38.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.84/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $80,778 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,603. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,553.43 | $6,732 | $80,778 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $932.06 | $4,039 | $48,467 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $621.37 | $2,693 | $32,311 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Chicago) | $38.84 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $80,781 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.53% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 11.10% above the Illinois state average of $72,710.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.84/hr = $48,467/year (purchasing power: $46,785).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,778/year (purchasing power: $77,975).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Chicago grew 50.6% from $25.02/hr (2019) to $37.69/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.02/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
For those considering a part-time schedule, such as working three days a week, the earnings potential can still be substantial. A medical and clinical laboratory technologist in this arrangement could take home approximately $60,672 annually, demonstrating that even reduced hours can lead to a worthwhile income when compared to full-time positions. Interestingly, per-diem roles often offer a premium that can range from 10% to 25% above standard staff rates, making it an attractive option for many professionals in Chicago's diverse healthcare landscape. Hourly rates can also differ across various types of employers, such as large healthcare organizations versus smaller private practices, with many technologists weighing the benefits of health insurance against potentially higher hourly wages without benefits. When negotiating compensation, understanding the locality's market rates and being aware of your value can significantly impact your pay as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in IL.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Chicago in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Chicago?
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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 Chicago. 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