Med Lab Scientist Salary

Ann Arbor vs Norton Shores: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Norton Shores, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ann Arbor, MI
$86,723
$41.69/hr
Norton Shores, MI
$65,405
$31.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnn Arbor, MINorton Shores, MI
Median Salary$86,723$65,405
Hourly Rate$41.69$31.45
Entry Level (P10)$42,127$43,205
25th Percentile$53,398$49,230
75th Percentile$95,449$81,419
Top Earner (P90)$107,879$97,153
Total Employed1,0304
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ann Arbor ($86,723) and Norton Shores ($65,405) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.Ann ArborNorton ShoresMedian Salary$86,723$65,405Entry Level (P10)$42,127$43,205Top Earner (P90)$107,879$97,153US Median $68,734

Verdict

Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Norton Shores.

The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Norton Shores is $21,318 (32.59%). Ann Arbor's median is +26.17% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $65,752,Norton Shores spans $53,948. Ann Arbor has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Ann Arbor
P10 (Entry)$42,127
P25$53,398
Median$86,723
P75$95,449
P90 (Top)$107,879
Norton Shores
P10 (Entry)$43,205
P25$49,230
Median$65,405
P75$81,419
P90 (Top)$97,153

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Ann Arbor ($85,966 effective) pays 22.50% more than Norton Shores ($70,177 effective).

Ann Arbor
Nominal: $86,723
CoL Index: 100.88
Adjusted: $85,966
Norton Shores
Nominal: $65,405
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $70,177

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Ann Arbor if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,723/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,879)
  • Larger job market (1,030 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,966)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Norton Shores if…

  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Ann Arbor grew 52.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.0% growth in Norton Shores over the same period.

Ann Arbor, MI

+52.6%

$55,150 (2019) → $84,164 (2025)

Norton Shores, MI

+4.0%

$61,025 (2024) → $63,475 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Ann Arbor or Norton Shores?

Ann Arbor has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $86,723/year, compared to Norton Shores at $65,405/year — a difference of $21,318 (32.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Norton Shores?

Ann Arbor medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $41.69/hr while Norton Shores hygienists earn $31.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Norton Shores as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ann Arbor and Norton Shores. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ann Arbor = $85,966, Norton Shores = $70,177), job availability (1,030 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Ann Arbor vs Norton Shores?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $42,127 in Ann Arbor and $43,205 in Norton Shores. The Norton Shores area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jerome Patel, BS, MT(ASCP)Data verified by Fatima Hussain, MS, CLS

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