Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,330▲ | $56,948 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.85▲ | $27.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,137▲ | $43,634 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,657▲ | $43,634 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,023▲ | $68,941 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,902 | $90,130▲ |
| Total Employed | 270 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City is $11,382 (19.99%). Cedar Rapids's median is -0.59% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $43,765,Iowa City spans $46,496. Iowa City 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, Cedar Rapids ($76,807 effective) pays 23.42% more than Iowa City ($62,232 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,330/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,807)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,130)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 59.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.1% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$41,670 (2019) → $66,314 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$47,610 (2020) → $55,268 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Cedar Rapids or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City?
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