Coos Bay vs Salem: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Coos Bay, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coos Bay, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,768 | $85,892▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.24 | $41.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,028 | $56,086▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,956▲ | $63,698 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,784▲ | $107,311 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,562▲ | $126,152 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Coos Bay.
The salary gap between Coos Bay and Salem is $124 (0.14%). Salem's median is +24.96% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coos Bay spans $78,534,Salem spans $70,066. Coos Bay 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, Coos Bay ($83,595 effective) pays 0.88% more than Salem ($82,868 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coos Bay if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,562)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,595)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,892/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Coos Bay grew -0.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 72.7% growth in Salem over the same period.
Coos Bay, OR
$83,469 (2024) → $83,238 (2025)
Salem, OR
$48,280 (2019) → $83,358 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coos Bay, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Coos Bay or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coos Bay and Salem?
Should I relocate from Coos Bay to Salem as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Coos Bay vs Salem?
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