Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Valparaiso, IN: $25.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Valparaiso, IN runs $25.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,959 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Valparaiso's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valparaiso, Indiana, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn a median hourly pay of $25.46, significantly below the national equivalent of $33.05 per hour. This gap highlights a unique aspect of the local market, particularly for those considering part-time or per diem work within clinical settings, where flexibility in work schedules is often an advantage. The hourly earnings span from $15.88 at the entry-level to as high as $38.66 for experienced professionals, reflecting both individual skill sets and the varying demands of different employer settings. Given that these rates are projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, it’s crucial for professionals to keep updated on local salary trends that can impact career choices and negotiations.
About the Valparaiso 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) | $15.88 | $127.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.20 | $153.57 |
| Median (P50) | $25.46 | $203.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.97 | $255.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.66 | $309.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valparaiso
Based on $25.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.46/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valparaiso, IN can expect to earn approximately $52,959 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,553. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valparaiso.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valparaiso
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,018.45 | $4,413 | $52,959 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $611.07 | $2,648 | $31,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $407.38 | $1,765 | $21,184 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Valparaiso) | $25.46 |
| 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 Valparaiso, IN earn a median of $52,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.95% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $53,711.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.46/hr = $31,776/year (purchasing power: $34,803).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,959/year (purchasing power: $58,006).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Valparaiso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Valparaiso grew 18.5% from $20.86/hr (2019) to $24.71/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.24/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 Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso
For those working part-time, such as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist on a three-day weekly schedule, the annual earnings can differ significantly from full-time counterparts. For instance, working a 24-hour week could yield a gross income of around $31,694, while full-time employees typically earn more substantial salaries due to their consistent hours. Additionally, per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Valparaiso often comes with a premium of 10-25% over standard staff rates, enticing many to consider agency or locum opportunities. However, financial implications vary based on the type of employer; private practices may offer lower rates, while larger healthcare organizations provide more robust benefits, which can affect the overall compensation package. Thus, it’s essential for professionals to weigh hourly pay against benefits like health insurance when negotiating contracts, and to strategically assess their career objectives based on their financial needs and professional goals in Valparaiso.
More salary data for Valparaiso, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Valparaiso in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Valparaiso?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Valparaiso paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Valparaiso?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Valparaiso?
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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 Valparaiso. 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 Valparaiso 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