Apple Valley vs St. Cloud: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Apple Valley, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,578▲ | $64,999 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.45▲ | $31.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,755 | $53,552▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,713 | $56,872▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,060▲ | $77,788 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,846▲ | $88,186 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Apple Valley, MN offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and St. Cloud is $4,579 (7.04%). Apple Valley's median is +1.23% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $64,091,St. Cloud spans $34,634. Apple Valley 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, St. Cloud ($74,173 effective) pays 5.00% more than Apple Valley ($70,638 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,578/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,846)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,173)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Apple Valley grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Apple Valley, MN
$70,669 (2024) → $67,525 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$50,010 (2019) → $63,081 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Apple Valley or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to St. Cloud as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Apple Valley vs St. Cloud?
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