Columbia vs Hilton Head Island: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Columbia, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,378▲ | $54,317 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.03▲ | $26.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,007▲ | $41,134 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,078▲ | $41,144 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,751 | $77,854▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,110 | $90,196▲ |
| Total Employed | 810▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilton Head Island.
The salary gap between Columbia and Hilton Head Island is $6,061 (11.16%). Columbia's median is -12.16% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $46,103,Hilton Head Island spans $49,062. Hilton Head Island 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, Columbia ($64,464 effective) pays 16.33% more than Hilton Head Island ($55,416 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,378/year)
- ✓Larger job market (810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,464)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,196)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Columbia grew 20.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.8% growth in Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$48,710 (2019) → $58,597 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$52,320 (2019) → $52,714 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Columbia or Hilton Head Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Hilton Head Island?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Hilton Head Island as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Columbia vs Hilton Head Island?
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