Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Decatur, IL: $32.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Decatur, IL runs $32.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,155 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.4, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,893 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Decatur, Illinois, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $32.77 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $33.05. This median rate suggests a solid earning potential for those working in hospitals, clinics, or labs throughout the region. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates into a substantial income, providing flexibility and work-life balance. The hourly range for this occupation varies, with entry-level positions starting around $21.09 and experienced top earners reaching up to $47.03. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting a range of pay based on experience, skills, and the specific settings in which these professionals operate.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.09 | $168.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.37 | $210.94 |
| Median (P50) | $32.77 | $262.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.02 | $312.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.03 | $376.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $32.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.77/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, IL can expect to earn approximately $68,155 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,320. With a cost-of-living index of 88.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,310.67 | $5,680 | $68,155 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.40 | $3,408 | $40,893 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.27 | $2,272 | $27,262 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Decatur) | $32.77 |
| 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 Decatur, IL earn a median of $68,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.84% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $72,737.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.77/hr = $40,893/year (purchasing power: $46,247).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,155/year (purchasing power: $77,079).
CoL index: 88.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Decatur grew 31.4% from $24.21/hr (2019) to $31.80/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.76/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
Analyzing the earning potential for those in Decatur, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working part-time at 24 hours per week might take home approximately $40,000 annually, a significant income considering local cost of living factors. For those exploring per diem or agency work, pay can be notably higher, often ranging 10-25% above W-2 staff rates, making per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Decatur an attractive option for flexibility. Hourly rates can vary depending on employer type; private practices might offer lower wages than large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. Some professionals may sacrifice higher hourly pay for the benefits provided by full-time positions. When negotiating hourly wages, consider emphasizing specific skills or certifications that add value and help set competitive rates in the Decatur job market.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Decatur. 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, 6-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