Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $40.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Paterson, NJ runs $40.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,872 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,319 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paterson, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $40.32, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.05. This competitive rate provides a strong incentive for both part-time workers, who may work around three days a week, and those seeking per-diem opportunities in various clinical settings. With an hourly range extending from $25.50 (P10) for entry-level positions to $62.50 (P90) for the highest earners, professionals in this field can expect salaries that reflect their experience and skill level. These hourly rates are derived from projected annual figures, underscoring the potential for fiscal growth in this sector as demand for skilled labor increases.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.50 | $204.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.74 | $245.89 |
| Median (P50) | $40.32 | $322.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.61 | $412.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.50 | $500.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $40.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.32/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $83,865 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,383. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,612.78 | $6,989 | $83,865 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $967.67 | $4,193 | $50,319 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $645.11 | $2,795 | $33,546 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Paterson) | $40.32 |
| 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 Paterson, NJ earn a median of $83,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.02% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $83,956.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.32/hr = $50,319/year (purchasing power: $43,680).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,865/year (purchasing power: $72,799).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Paterson grew 18.5% from $33.03/hr (2019) to $39.13/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.55/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 Paterson 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 Paterson
For those considering part-time positions, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours a week can realistically take home substantially less than their full-time counterparts. In a state where per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Paterson tends to carry a premium of 10-25% over regular staff salaries, many professionals choose these flexible arrangements despite the potential for lower annual income. Hourly rates can significantly differ, depending on whether one is employed by private practices, larger healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics, each offering varying benefits. Some technologists accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other employment perks, highlighting a common trade-off in healthcare. When negotiating hourly pay, professionals should emphasize their specific skills while also considering the overall compensation package, which often influences personal and professional quality of life in Paterson.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Paterson in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Paterson?
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Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Paterson?
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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 Paterson. 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 Paterson 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