Bend vs Portland: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Bend, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,595▲ | $90,666 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.40▲ | $43.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,102▲ | $54,240 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,468▲ | $68,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,396 | $111,571▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,548 | $127,779▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 1,540▲ |
Verdict
Bend and Portland are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bend and Portland is $7,929 (8.75%). Bend's median is +43.44% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $65,446,Portland spans $73,539. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bend ($95,162 effective) pays 10.65% more than Portland ($86,004 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,595/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,162)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,779)
- ✓Larger job market (1,540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Bend grew 51.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bend, OR
$63,230 (2019) → $95,686 (2025)
Portland, OR
$64,740 (2019) → $87,991 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Bend or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bend to Portland as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Bend vs Portland?
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