Med Lab Scientist Salary

Cape Girardeau vs Springfield: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Cape Girardeau, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cape Girardeau, MO
$56,686
$27.25/hr
Springfield, MO
$56,217
$27.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCape Girardeau, MOSpringfield, MO
Median Salary$56,686$56,217
Hourly Rate$27.25$27.02
Entry Level (P10)$37,660$40,991
25th Percentile$41,461$48,451
75th Percentile$70,624$76,106
Top Earner (P90)$90,961$92,118
Total Employed190430
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cape Girardeau ($56,686) and Springfield ($56,217) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.Cape GirardeauSpringfieldMedian Salary$56,686$56,217Entry Level (P10)$37,660$40,991Top Earner (P90)$90,961$92,118US Median $68,734

Verdict

Cape Girardeau and Springfield are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Cape Girardeau and Springfield is $469 (0.83%). Cape Girardeau's median is -17.53% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cape Girardeau spans $53,301,Springfield spans $51,127. Cape Girardeau has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cape Girardeau
P10 (Entry)$37,660
P25$41,461
Median$56,686
P75$70,624
P90 (Top)$90,961
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$40,991
P25$48,451
Median$56,217
P75$76,106
P90 (Top)$92,118

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cape Girardeau ($65,854 effective) pays 3.77% more than Springfield ($63,461 effective).

Cape Girardeau
Nominal: $56,686
CoL Index: 86.078
Adjusted: $65,854
Springfield
Nominal: $56,217
CoL Index: 88.585
Adjusted: $63,461

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cape Girardeau if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,686/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,854)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($92,118)
  • Larger job market (430 employed)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Cape Girardeau grew 18.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 44.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Cape Girardeau, MO

+18.5%

$46,420 (2021) → $55,014 (2025)

Springfield, MO

+44.1%

$37,870 (2019) → $54,558 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Cape Girardeau or Springfield?

Cape Girardeau has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $56,686/year, compared to Springfield at $56,217/year — a difference of $469 (0.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cape Girardeau and Springfield?

Cape Girardeau medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $27.25/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $27.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cape Girardeau to Springfield as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cape Girardeau and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cape Girardeau = $65,854, Springfield = $63,461), job availability (190 vs 430 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Cape Girardeau vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $37,660 in Cape Girardeau and $40,991 in Springfield. The Springfield area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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