Med Lab Scientist Salary

Atlanta vs Pooler: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Pooler, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$71,574
$34.42/hr
Pooler, GA
$65,025
$31.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAPooler, GA
Median Salary$71,574$65,025
Hourly Rate$34.42$31.26
Entry Level (P10)$42,706$39,034
25th Percentile$53,562$51,675
75th Percentile$95,100$81,872
Top Earner (P90)$115,142$98,764
Total Employed6,7506
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($71,574) and Pooler ($65,025) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.AtlantaPoolerMedian Salary$71,574$65,025Entry Level (P10)$42,706$39,034Top Earner (P90)$115,142$98,764US Median $68,734

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pooler.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Pooler is $6,549 (10.07%). Atlanta's median is +4.13% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $72,436,Pooler spans $59,730. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$42,706
P25$53,562
Median$71,574
P75$95,100
P90 (Top)$115,142
Pooler
P10 (Entry)$39,034
P25$51,675
Median$65,025
P75$81,872
P90 (Top)$98,764

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($71,533 effective) pays 2.42% more than Pooler ($69,844 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $71,574
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $71,533
Pooler
Nominal: $65,025
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $69,844

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($71,574/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($115,142)
  • Larger job market (6,750 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,533)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Pooler if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Atlanta grew 33.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.0% growth in Pooler over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+33.9%

$51,860 (2019) → $69,462 (2025)

Pooler, GA

+4.0%

$60,702 (2024) → $63,107 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Atlanta or Pooler?

Atlanta has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $71,574/year, compared to Pooler at $65,025/year — a difference of $6,549 (10.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Pooler?

Atlanta medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $34.42/hr while Pooler hygienists earn $31.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Pooler as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Pooler. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $71,533, Pooler = $69,844), job availability (6,750 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Atlanta vs Pooler?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $42,706 in Atlanta and $39,034 in Pooler. The Atlanta 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