Med Lab Scientist Salary

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

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

Ann Arbor, MI
$86,723
$41.69/hr
Southfield, MI
$67,744
$32.57/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnn Arbor, MISouthfield, MI
Median Salary$86,723$67,744
Hourly Rate$41.69$32.57
Entry Level (P10)$42,127$40,157
25th Percentile$53,398$49,542
75th Percentile$95,449$86,712
Top Earner (P90)$107,879$105,003
Total Employed1,03019
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ann Arbor ($86,723) and Southfield ($67,744) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.Ann ArborSouthfieldMedian Salary$86,723$67,744Entry Level (P10)$42,127$40,157Top Earner (P90)$107,879$105,003US 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 Southfield.

The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Southfield is $18,979 (28.02%). 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,Southfield spans $64,846. 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
Southfield
P10 (Entry)$40,157
P25$49,542
Median$67,744
P75$86,712
P90 (Top)$105,003

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Ann Arbor ($85,966 effective) pays 18.27% more than Southfield ($72,687 effective).

Ann Arbor
Nominal: $86,723
CoL Index: 100.88
Adjusted: $85,966
Southfield
Nominal: $67,744
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $72,687

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 Southfield 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 Southfield over the same period.

Ann Arbor, MI

+52.6%

$55,150 (2019) → $84,164 (2025)

Southfield, MI

+4.0%

$63,207 (2024) → $65,745 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Ann Arbor has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $86,723/year, compared to Southfield at $67,744/year — a difference of $18,979 (28.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Southfield?

Ann Arbor medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $41.69/hr while Southfield hygienists earn $32.57/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ann Arbor and Southfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ann Arbor = $85,966, Southfield = $72,687), job availability (1,030 vs 19 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $42,127 in Ann Arbor and $40,157 in Southfield. The Ann Arbor area offers higher starting salaries.

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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.

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