Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $28.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Ridgeland, MS runs $28.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,949 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,968 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ridgeland, Mississippi, the projected median hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is $28.82, which falls below the national hourly median of $33.05. This rate indicates important considerations for part-time and per-diem workers in the area, particularly those who may work three days a week in typical clinical settings. For part-timers, this translates to earnings of approximately $41,000 annually if they tally around 24 hours per week. The hourly pay ranges from $18.87 for entry-level positions to $42.58 for those in the top 10%, illustrating a clear distinction in earning potential as experience and responsibility levels increase. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, which underscores the financial landscape for this profession in Ridgeland.
About the Ridgeland Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.87 | $150.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.37 | $186.96 |
| Median (P50) | $28.82 | $230.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.80 | $286.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.58 | $340.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $28.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.82/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $59,946 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,584. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,152.81 | $4,996 | $59,946 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.69 | $2,997 | $35,968 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.12 | $1,998 | $23,978 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Ridgeland) | $28.82 |
| 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 Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $59,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.78% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $62,447.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.82/hr = $35,968/year (purchasing power: $41,969).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,946/year (purchasing power: $69,949).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Ridgeland grew 18.5% from $23.61/hr (2019) to $27.97/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.70/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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
Additionally, those working part-time or per diem as medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Ridgeland can expect varying financial implications. Specifically, a part-time employee working 24 hours a week would realize earnings substantially lower than full-time counterparts, averaging around $41,000 annually compared to a full-time pay scale. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Ridgeland might align with hourly rates trending 10-25% above staff roles, reflecting the varied compensation rates offered by private practices, larger healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics. It's crucial for technologists to weigh the benefits of health insurance and job stability against the higher hourly pay associated with per diem or agency work. When negotiating hourly rates, understanding local market trends, including employer types, can empower professionals to secure more favorable terms while considering their personal circumstances and needs.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Ridgeland in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Ridgeland?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Ridgeland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Ridgeland?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Ridgeland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland 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