Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $31.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Norfolk, VA runs $31.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,248 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,144 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the projected median hourly pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $31.37, slightly below the national median of $33.05. This hourly rate translates to approximately $1,258 per week for those working full-time, making it feasible for part-time professionals who choose to work three days a week to still earn a competitive income. The hourly compensation for this role ranges from $18.20 for entry-level positions (P10) to $48.62 for seasoned professionals (P90). Such figures indicate that, while the hourly rates can vary significantly, the potential payoff is attractive for individuals in clinical settings, whether part-time or on a per-diem basis.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.20 | $145.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.67 | $181.35 |
| Median (P50) | $31.37 | $250.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.15 | $321.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.62 | $389.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $31.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.37/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $65,240 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,638. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,254.62 | $5,437 | $65,240 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.77 | $3,262 | $39,144 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.85 | $2,175 | $26,096 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Norfolk) | $31.37 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $65,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.07% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 0.10% above the Virginia state average of $65,183.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.37/hr = $39,144/year (purchasing power: $37,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,240/year (purchasing power: $63,217).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Norfolk grew 18.5% from $25.69/hr (2019) to $30.44/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.32/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
For those considering part-time work, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist, working 24 hours a week, would bring home around $39,675 annually, considerably less than full-time positions. However, those opting for per-diem engagements can expect rates that often exceed standard hourly wages, usually by a margin of 10-25%, depending on the agency. Variability in hourly pay also stems from the type of employer; large healthcare organizations in Norfolk may offer more structured pay scales, whereas smaller private practices might provide flexibility at potentially lower rates. It's crucial for professionals to assess their needs for benefits like health insurance when negotiating their hourly rates; higher wages without benefits may eventually lead to out-of-pocket costs. For effective negotiations in this local market, understanding the broader compensation trends and being prepared with specific examples can strengthen one's position.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Norfolk?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Norfolk?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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