Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in East Chicago, IN: $24.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in East Chicago, IN runs $24.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against East Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,107 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Chicago, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $24.93 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $33.05. This discrepancy provides insight for part-time employees, as those working three days a week might see a gross take-home of just over $38,000 annually, making per diem positions particularly appealing. Entry-level workers in this field can expect to start around $16.06 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn as much as $38.63 per hour. Those seeking part-time or per-diem work will find various opportunities in clinical settings, but should consider the potential impact on overall compensation when weighing job options.
About the East Chicago 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) | $16.06 | $128.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.10 | $152.83 |
| Median (P50) | $24.93 | $199.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.90 | $255.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.63 | $309.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Chicago
Based on $24.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.93/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Chicago, IN can expect to earn approximately $51,845 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,910. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $997.02 | $4,320 | $51,845 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.21 | $2,592 | $31,107 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.81 | $1,728 | $20,738 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (East Chicago) | $24.93 |
| 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 East Chicago, IN earn a median of $51,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.59% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $53,714.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.93/hr = $31,107/year (purchasing power: $34,071).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,845/year (purchasing power: $56,785).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in East Chicago grew 18.5% from $20.42/hr (2019) to $24.19/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.68/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 East 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 East Chicago
For medical and clinical laboratory technologists in East Chicago, the part-time compensation can create a notable distinction when compared to full-time roles. Working just 24 hours a week yields a significant difference in annual income, as many seek per diem assignments that often pay a premium of 10-25% over standard rates. In various employer settings, such as private practices versus large healthcare organizations, hourly rates can fluctuate considerably. Generally, technologists might trade off lower pay for full-time benefits like health insurance, as opposed to pursuing higher hourly wages without such perks. Negotiating these elements effectively is critical for those navigating part-time opportunities, ensuring that workers maximize their earning potential while balancing the demands of their professional and personal lives.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in East Chicago in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in East Chicago?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in East Chicago paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in East Chicago?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in East 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 East 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
Salary data for East Chicago 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