Lack of full-time jobs in medical laboratories with livable wages?

Anyone else noticing a lack of FT perm jobs in medical labs with livable wages?

There are three hospitals in my area. Two pay in the 20s, one pays in the 30s. Due to inflation, you can't qualify for a 1b1b on a salary in the 20s anymore. Let alone pay student loans.

Am I the only scrounging by as a lab tech? This isn't what I expected going into the medical field. I have nursing friends starting in the 40s/hr + sign-on bonus + student loan forgiveness. They look at me like I'm stupid for pursuing a job that pays so poorly and has lousy hours.

I'm on the east coast.

Edit: I honestly have no idea phlebotomists who are getting paid Walmart wages are expected to survive.