Columbus vs Fort Wayne: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Columbus, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,901 | $53,148▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.43 | $25.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,117 | $41,745▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,822 | $43,700▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,441 | $67,248▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,078 | $88,525▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 650▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Fort Wayne is $247 (0.47%). Fort Wayne's median is -22.68% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $46,961,Fort Wayne spans $46,780. Columbus 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, Columbus ($57,942 effective) pays 0.92% more than Fort Wayne ($57,413 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,942)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,148/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,525)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Columbus grew -17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.9% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$62,220 (2019) → $51,340 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$46,950 (2019) → $51,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Columbus or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Fort Wayne as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Columbus vs Fort Wayne?
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