Columbia vs Sumter: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Columbia, SC and Sumter, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Sumter, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,378 | $65,949▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.03 | $31.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,007 | $42,466▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,078 | $56,905▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,751 | $84,538▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,110 | $93,680▲ |
| Total Employed | 810▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Sumter, SC offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Sumter is $5,571 (9.23%). Sumter's median is -4.05% 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,Sumter spans $51,214. Sumter 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, Sumter ($74,925 effective) pays 16.23% more than Columbia ($64,464 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (810 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Sumter if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,949/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,680)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,925)
- ✓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 47.2% growth in Sumter over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$48,710 (2019) → $58,597 (2025)
Sumter, SC
$43,480 (2019) → $64,003 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Sumter, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Columbia or Sumter?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Sumter?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Sumter as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Columbia vs Sumter?
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