Charlotte vs Raleigh: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,112▲ | $65,260 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.75▲ | $31.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,043▲ | $43,896 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,322▲ | $52,657 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,478▲ | $83,533 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,354▲ | $94,466 |
| Total Employed | 2,020▲ | 1,810 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Raleigh is $2,852 (4.37%). Charlotte's median is -0.90% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $55,311,Raleigh spans $50,570. Charlotte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($69,968 effective) pays 5.24% more than Raleigh ($66,485 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,112/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,354)
- ✓Larger job market (2,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,968)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓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 Charlotte grew 29.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$51,160 (2019) → $66,102 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$54,060 (2019) → $63,335 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Charlotte or Raleigh?
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Should I relocate from Charlotte to Raleigh as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
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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.
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