Albany vs Buffalo: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,378▲ | $85,248 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.01▲ | $40.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,694 | $52,831▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,453 | $66,942▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,744▲ | $96,650 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,657 | $113,712▲ |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 710 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $2,130 (2.50%). Albany's median is +27.12% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $68,963,Buffalo spans $60,881. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($88,945 effective) pays 1.35% more than Albany ($87,759 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,378/year)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,712)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,945)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Albany grew 47.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.4% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$57,430 (2019) → $84,800 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$61,100 (2019) → $82,733 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Albany or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Albany to Buffalo as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Albany vs Buffalo?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.04% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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