Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $33.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Missoula, MT runs $33.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,639 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Missoula, Montana, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $33.36 in 2026, which slightly surpasses the national median hourly rate of $33.05. This competitive hourly wage caters not only to full-time technologists but also to those balancing part-time work schedules typically comprising three days a week, or approximately 24 hours. For entry-level positions, hourly earnings may start around $20.09, with top earners in the field earning up to $42.57 per hour. These figures, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projected to 2026, reflect the financial landscape for laboratory professionals in clinical settings across Missoula and highlight the opportunities available for both part-time and per-diem work.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.09 | $160.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.63 | $165.03 |
| Median (P50) | $33.36 | $266.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.63 | $333.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.57 | $340.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $33.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.36/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $69,398 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,037. With a cost-of-living index of 96.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,334.57 | $5,783 | $69,398 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $800.74 | $3,470 | $41,639 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $533.83 | $2,313 | $27,759 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Missoula) | $33.36 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $69,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% higher than the national median of $68,734.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.36/hr = $41,639/year (purchasing power: $43,174).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,398/year (purchasing power: $71,956).
CoL index: 96.445 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Missoula grew 15.5% from $28.04/hr (2019) to $32.38/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.38/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
When analyzing the financial outlook for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Missoula, it's essential to consider the part-time earning potential. A technologist working 3 days a week at the median hourly rate would see an annual income that comfortably supports a decent lifestyle, especially in a city with a lower cost of living index, currently at 96.445. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Missoula often commands a premium, typically ranging from 10% to 25% higher than standard employment rates, a factor that influences many to pursue agency work. Hourly rates can vary based on the employer type, with larger healthcare organizations generally offering compensation above community health centers and private practices. Accepting lower hourly rates may come with benefits such as health insurance, while those seeking higher pay may need to weigh the absence of such benefits. For those navigating the job market, it’s helpful to be prepared to negotiate pay based on both expected hourly rates and the value of total compensation, including health benefits.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Missoula in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Missoula?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Missoula paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Missoula?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Missoula?
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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 Missoula. 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, 7-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