Costa Mesa vs San Francisco: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Costa Mesa, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Costa Mesa, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,067 | $91,889▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.53 | $44.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,798 | $60,695▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,310 | $74,064▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,926 | $105,749▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,004 | $145,987▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 5,210▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Costa Mesa.
The salary gap between Costa Mesa and San Francisco is $13,822 (17.71%). San Francisco's median is +33.69% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Costa Mesa spans $73,206,San Francisco spans $85,292. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($79,480 effective) pays 15.15% more than Costa Mesa ($69,025 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Costa Mesa if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,889/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,987)
- ✓Larger job market (5,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,480)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Costa Mesa grew -33.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.3% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Costa Mesa, CA
$113,642 (2024) → $75,764 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$64,010 (2019) → $89,178 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Costa Mesa, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Costa Mesa or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Costa Mesa and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Costa Mesa to San Francisco as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Costa Mesa vs San Francisco?
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