Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Sterling, VA: $30.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Sterling, VA runs $30.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,559 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Sterling's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,537 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist hourly pay is projected to be $30.08 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $33.05. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to an annual income of approximately $37,363, making it an appealing option for individuals seeking flexible work arrangements. Per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologists in the area may earn between $19.86 and $46.62 per hour, reflecting both entry-level and experienced roles. These figures stem from annual salary estimates and highlight the potential for varied income levels within this essential healthcare profession.
About the Sterling 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) | $19.86 | $158.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.82 | $182.59 |
| Median (P50) | $30.08 | $240.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.50 | $307.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.62 | $372.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling
Based on $30.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.08/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling, VA can expect to earn approximately $62,561 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,093. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sterling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,203.10 | $5,213 | $62,561 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.86 | $3,128 | $37,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.24 | $2,085 | $25,024 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Sterling) | $30.08 |
| 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 Sterling, VA earn a median of $62,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.98% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $65,233.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.08/hr = $37,537/year (purchasing power: $36,373).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,561/year (purchasing power: $60,621).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Sterling grew 18.5% from $24.64/hr (2019) to $29.19/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.99/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 Sterling 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 Sterling
When considering hourly compensation, it's essential to understand the differences in earnings for part-time workers versus full-time employees. A medical and clinical laboratory technologist working 24 hours per week may earn less annually than someone working full-time but benefits from flexibility. Per diem medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay in Sterling tends to include a premium over traditional staff wages, typically ranging from 10% to 25% higher, which attracts many professionals to this type of employment. The hourly rates can also differ based on the employer type, with private practices, large healthcare organizations, and specialty clinics offering varied pay structures and benefits. Some professionals may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, making negotiations critical for those in the workforce. Being aware of market rates and understanding the specific compensation structures in Sterling can empower medical and clinical laboratory technologists to make informed career choices.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Sterling in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Sterling?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Sterling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Sterling?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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