Med Lab Scientist Salary

Cranston vs Providence: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Cranston, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cranston, RI
$71,623
$34.44/hr
Providence, RI
$84,058
$40.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCranston, RIProvidence, RI
Median Salary$71,623$84,058
Hourly Rate$34.44$40.41
Entry Level (P10)$46,041$46,605
25th Percentile$55,013$61,153
75th Percentile$91,678$94,128
Top Earner (P90)$111,016$111,265
Total Employed121,410
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cranston ($71,623) and Providence ($84,058) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.CranstonProvidenceMedian Salary$71,623$84,058Entry Level (P10)$46,041$46,605Top Earner (P90)$111,016$111,265US Median $68,734

Verdict

Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cranston.

The salary gap between Cranston and Providence is $12,435 (17.36%). Providence's median is +22.29% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cranston spans $64,975,Providence spans $64,660. Cranston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cranston
P10 (Entry)$46,041
P25$55,013
Median$71,623
P75$91,678
P90 (Top)$111,016
Providence
P10 (Entry)$46,605
P25$61,153
Median$84,058
P75$94,128
P90 (Top)$111,265

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Providence ($82,594 effective) pays 15.89% more than Cranston ($71,267 effective).

Cranston
Nominal: $71,623
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $71,267
Providence
Nominal: $84,058
CoL Index: 101.773
Adjusted: $82,594

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cranston if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Providence if…

  • Higher median salary ($84,058/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($111,265)
  • Larger job market (1,410 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,594)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Cranston grew -7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Providence over the same period.

Cranston, RI

+-7.0%

$74,712 (2024) → $69,510 (2025)

Providence, RI

+27.8%

$63,850 (2019) → $81,578 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Cranston or Providence?

Providence has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $84,058/year, compared to Cranston at $71,623/year — a difference of $12,435 (17.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cranston and Providence?

Cranston medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $34.44/hr while Providence hygienists earn $40.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cranston to Providence as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cranston and Providence. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cranston = $71,267, Providence = $82,594), job availability (12 vs 1,410 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Cranston vs Providence?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $46,041 in Cranston and $46,605 in Providence. The Providence 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