Med Lab Scientist Salary

Columbus vs Elyria: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Columbus, OH and Elyria, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Columbus, OH
$67,980
$32.68/hr
Elyria, OH
$64,227
$30.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHElyria, OH
Median Salary$67,980$64,227
Hourly Rate$32.68$30.88
Entry Level (P10)$43,110$40,045
25th Percentile$51,127$48,401
75th Percentile$86,209$82,210
Top Earner (P90)$103,871$99,552
Total Employed2,52014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($67,980) and Elyria ($64,227) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.ColumbusElyriaMedian Salary$67,980$64,227Entry Level (P10)$43,110$40,045Top Earner (P90)$103,871$99,552US Median $68,734

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elyria.

The salary gap between Columbus and Elyria is $3,753 (5.84%). Columbus's median is -1.10% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $60,761,Elyria spans $59,507. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$43,110
P25$51,127
Median$67,980
P75$86,209
P90 (Top)$103,871
Elyria
P10 (Entry)$40,045
P25$48,401
Median$64,227
P75$82,210
P90 (Top)$99,552

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($71,206 effective) pays 0.56% more than Elyria ($70,813 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $67,980
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $71,206
Elyria
Nominal: $64,227
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $70,813

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,980/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($103,871)
  • Larger job market (2,520 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,206)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Elyria if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Columbus grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Elyria over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+24.8%

$52,850 (2019) → $65,974 (2025)

Elyria, OH

+7.8%

$57,839 (2024) → $62,332 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Columbus or Elyria?

Columbus has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $67,980/year, compared to Elyria at $64,227/year — a difference of $3,753 (5.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Elyria?

Columbus medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $32.68/hr while Elyria hygienists earn $30.88/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Elyria as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Elyria. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $71,206, Elyria = $70,813), job availability (2,520 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Columbus vs Elyria?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $43,110 in Columbus and $40,045 in Elyria. The Columbus area offers higher starting salaries.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jerome Patel, BS, MT(ASCP)Data verified by Fatima Hussain, MS, CLS

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