Med Lab Scientist Salary

Bridgeport vs Bristol: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Bristol, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$83,075
$39.94/hr
Bristol, CT
$77,986
$37.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTBristol, CT
Median Salary$83,075$77,986
Hourly Rate$39.94$37.50
Entry Level (P10)$50,221$45,640
25th Percentile$57,997$61,210
75th Percentile$111,058$99,822
Top Earner (P90)$126,764$120,878
Total Employed54013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($83,075) and Bristol ($77,986) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.BridgeportBristolMedian Salary$83,075$77,986Entry Level (P10)$50,221$45,640Top Earner (P90)$126,764$120,878US Median $68,734

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Bristol is $5,089 (6.53%). Bridgeport's median is +20.86% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $76,543,Bristol spans $75,238. Bridgeport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$50,221
P25$57,997
Median$83,075
P75$111,058
P90 (Top)$126,764
Bristol
P10 (Entry)$45,640
P25$61,210
Median$77,986
P75$99,822
P90 (Top)$120,878

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($77,739 effective) pays 7.56% more than Bristol ($72,276 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $83,075
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $77,739
Bristol
Nominal: $77,986
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $72,276

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bridgeport if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,075/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,764)
  • Larger job market (540 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,739)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Bristol if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Bridgeport grew 19.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.6% growth in Bristol over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+19.5%

$67,450 (2019) → $80,624 (2025)

Bristol, CT

+-11.6%

$85,631 (2024) → $75,685 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Bridgeport or Bristol?

Bridgeport has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $83,075/year, compared to Bristol at $77,986/year — a difference of $5,089 (6.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Bristol?

Bridgeport medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $39.94/hr while Bristol hygienists earn $37.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Bristol as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Bristol. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $77,739, Bristol = $72,276), job availability (540 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Bridgeport vs Bristol?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $50,221 in Bridgeport and $45,640 in Bristol. The Bridgeport 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