Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Cape Girardeau, MO: $27.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Cape Girardeau, MO runs $27.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,686 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Cape Girardeau's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,013 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cape Girardeau, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is set at a median rate of $27.25, significantly lower than the national median of $33.05. This rate offers part-time professionals, working roughly three days a week, an opportunity to earn a competitive income without the commitment of full-time employment. Furthermore, the hourly wage ranges from $18.10 for entry-level positions to $43.73 for top earners in the field. These figures are reflective of 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, ensuring a reliable benchmark for those entering this essential healthcare profession.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.10 | $144.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.94 | $159.51 |
| Median (P50) | $27.25 | $218.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.96 | $271.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.73 | $349.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Girardeau
Based on $27.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.25/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Girardeau, MO can expect to earn approximately $56,688 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,705. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cape Girardeau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Girardeau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,090.16 | $4,724 | $56,688 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $654.10 | $2,834 | $34,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.07 | $1,890 | $22,675 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Cape Girardeau) | $27.25 |
| 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 Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $56,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.53% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.70% below the Missouri state average of $59,482.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.25/hr = $34,013/year (purchasing power: $39,514).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,688/year (purchasing power: $65,857).
CoL index: 86.078 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cape Girardeau grew 18.5% from $22.33/hr (2019) to $26.45/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.08/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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau
For part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists working 24 hours per week, the annual income translates to approximately $33,840, while full-timers could surpass $56,686 annually. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Cape Girardeau often comes with a premium, running 10-25% higher than standard staff rates, enticing many professionals seeking flexibility. Hourly compensation varies depending on the employer—private practices might offer slightly lower rates compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that can afford higher wages. However, some technologists may opt for lower-paying positions with benefits like health insurance, balancing immediate paycheck needs against long-term healthcare costs. For those negotiating pay, emphasizing experience and willingness to work unconventional hours can lead to better offers.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cape Girardeau in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Cape Girardeau?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Cape Girardeau paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Cape Girardeau?
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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 Cape Girardeau. 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, 5-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