Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Charlotte, NC: $32.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Charlotte, NC runs $32.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,112 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Charlotte's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,867 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charlotte, North Carolina, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist earns a median hourly rate of $32.75, which is slightly below the national median of $33.05 per hour. This hourly compensation is significant for part-time professionals, who typically work around three days a week, allowing them to balance their work and personal life while still contributing meaningfully to healthcare delivery. For those in this field, the hourly range spans from entry-level positions earning $21.66 to experienced technologists at the top end of their careers making $48.24. These figures are derived from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, giving prospective and current medical and clinical laboratory technologists insights into their earning potential within Charlotte's dynamic healthcare environment.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.66 | $173.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.64 | $205.09 |
| Median (P50) | $32.75 | $261.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.10 | $328.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.24 | $385.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlotte
Based on $32.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.75/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlotte, NC can expect to earn approximately $68,112 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,295. With a cost-of-living index of 97.35 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlotte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlotte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,309.84 | $5,676 | $68,112 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $785.91 | $3,406 | $40,867 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $523.94 | $2,270 | $27,245 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Charlotte) | $32.75 |
| 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 Charlotte, NC earn a median of $68,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.90% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 5.80% above the North Carolina state average of $64,378.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.75/hr = $40,867/year (purchasing power: $41,980).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,112/year (purchasing power: $69,967).
CoL index: 97.348 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Charlotte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Charlotte grew 29.2% from $24.59/hr (2019) to $31.78/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.74/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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte
When considering part-time work or per diem arrangements, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist who works about 24 hours a week might see a substantial annual take-home pay reduction compared to full-time employees. Specifically, this equates to a lower overall annual income while still retaining flexibility. In the realm of agency or per diem positions, these roles often command a premium of 10-25% over regular staff pay, which can make them quite attractive despite the lack of benefits. The hourly rates can fluctuate based on the employer type; for example, large healthcare organizations may offer different pay structures compared to community health centers or private practices. While some professionals accept lower hourly wages for the benefits provided, others may prefer the higher pay without healthcare coverage. For those negotiating their pay, understanding local market rates and being prepared to discuss compensation in terms of total rewards—both financial and non-financial—can be advantageous in securing an optimal pay structure within Charlotte’s competitive landscape.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Charlotte in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Charlotte?
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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 Charlotte. 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