Burlington vs Wake Forest: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Burlington, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,703 | $63,459▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.78 | $30.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,909 | $41,589▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,218 | $47,950▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,098 | $81,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,372 | $98,362▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,820▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Wake Forest, NC offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Wake Forest is $7,756 (13.92%). Wake Forest's median is -7.67% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $48,463,Wake Forest spans $56,773. Wake Forest 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, Wake Forest ($67,798 effective) pays 13.43% more than Burlington ($59,770 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,459/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,362)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,798)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Burlington grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.1% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$40,950 (2019) → $54,060 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$60,906 (2024) → $61,587 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Burlington or Wake Forest?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Wake Forest?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Wake Forest as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Burlington vs Wake Forest?
Related Comparisons
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