Bedford vs Manchester: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Bedford, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bedford, NH | Manchester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,630 | $82,506▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.39 | $39.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,510▲ | $41,875 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,599▲ | $53,835 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,024 | $94,401▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,193▲ | $109,441 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bedford.
The salary gap between Bedford and Manchester is $8,876 (12.05%). Manchester's median is +20.04% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bedford spans $67,683,Manchester spans $67,566. Bedford 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, Manchester ($78,089 effective) pays 13.80% more than Bedford ($68,621 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bedford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,193)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,506/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,089)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Bedford grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.9% growth in Manchester over the same period.
Bedford, NH
$74,784 (2024) → $71,458 (2025)
Manchester, NH
$60,230 (2019) → $80,072 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bedford, NH
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Bedford or Manchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bedford and Manchester?
Should I relocate from Bedford to Manchester as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Bedford vs Manchester?
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