Chester vs Philadelphia: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Chester, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,024 | $65,304▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.45 | $31.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,206 | $44,224▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,459 | $51,728▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,937 | $87,673▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,284 | $103,652▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6,150▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Philadelphia is $10,280 (18.68%). Philadelphia's median is -4.99% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chester spans $46,078,Philadelphia spans $59,428. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($63,678 effective) pays 12.72% more than Chester ($56,493 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chester if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,304/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,652)
- ✓Larger job market (6,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,678)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Chester grew -18.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.1% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Chester, PA
$65,883 (2024) → $53,401 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$57,580 (2019) → $63,377 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Chester or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Chester to Philadelphia as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Chester vs Philadelphia?
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