Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbus, IN: $25.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Columbus, IN runs $25.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,901 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,737 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Indiana, medical and clinical laboratory technologists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $25.43, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.05. This discrepancy could influence part-time and per-diem workers, who often seek flexible employment in clinical settings. For those working three days a week, typically totaling around 24 hours, their compensation would reflect this hourly rate, still allowing them to earn a decent income based on the demands of their role. The hourly wage in Columbus ranges from $15.92 for entry-level positions at the 10th percentile to about $38.50 for top earners, suggesting a wide earning potential that factors in experience, specialization, and the complexity of the workplace environment.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.92 | $127.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.14 | $153.16 |
| Median (P50) | $25.43 | $203.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.94 | $255.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.50 | $307.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $25.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.43/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, IN can expect to earn approximately $52,895 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,516. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,017.21 | $4,408 | $52,895 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $610.33 | $2,645 | $31,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.88 | $1,763 | $21,158 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Columbus) | $25.43 |
| 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 Columbus, IN earn a median of $52,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.04% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.50% below the Indiana state average of $53,706.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.43/hr = $31,737/year (purchasing power: $34,761).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,895/year (purchasing power: $57,935).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-12.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbus grew -17.5% from $29.91/hr (2019) to $24.68/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.20/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
When analyzing the financial landscape for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, part-time workers taking home an estimated $31,491 annually at a 24-hour work week may appear to earn less than their full-time counterparts, but their flexibility is a significant draw. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Columbus can be higher, often commanding a premium of 10-25% over traditional staff roles. This can lead to competitive compensation based on employer types; large healthcare organizations might offer more stable hours and benefits compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. As professionals negotiate hourly rates, those who prioritize health insurance may accept lower pay while seeking positions with additional benefits. Understanding the nuances of compensation in the local market can help professionals make informed career decisions in Columbus, IN.
More salary data for Columbus, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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