Med Lab Scientist Salary

Elko vs Las Vegas: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Elko, NV and Las Vegas, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Elko, NV
$67,012
$32.22/hr
Las Vegas, NV
$66,232
$31.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricElko, NVLas Vegas, NV
Median Salary$67,012$66,232
Hourly Rate$32.22$31.84
Entry Level (P10)$46,374$43,525
25th Percentile$53,698$52,154
75th Percentile$82,584$92,217
Top Earner (P90)$98,190$113,471
Total Employed41,390
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Elko ($67,012) and Las Vegas ($66,232) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.ElkoLas VegasMedian Salary$67,012$66,232Entry Level (P10)$46,374$43,525Top Earner (P90)$98,190$113,471US Median $68,734

Verdict

Elko and Las Vegas are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Elko and Las Vegas is $780 (1.18%). Elko's median is -2.51% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elko spans $51,816,Las Vegas spans $69,946. Las Vegas has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.

Elko
P10 (Entry)$46,374
P25$53,698
Median$67,012
P75$82,584
P90 (Top)$98,190
Las Vegas
P10 (Entry)$43,525
P25$52,154
Median$66,232
P75$92,217
P90 (Top)$113,471

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Elko ($68,171 effective) pays 3.15% more than Las Vegas ($66,090 effective).

Elko
Nominal: $67,012
CoL Index: 98.3
Adjusted: $68,171
Las Vegas
Nominal: $66,232
CoL Index: 100.215
Adjusted: $66,090

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Elko if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,012/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,171)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Las Vegas if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($113,471)
  • Larger job market (1,390 employed)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Elko grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in Las Vegas over the same period.

Elko, NV

+-4.4%

$68,063 (2024) → $65,035 (2025)

Las Vegas, NV

+3.2%

$62,310 (2019) → $64,278 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Elko or Las Vegas?

Elko has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $67,012/year, compared to Las Vegas at $66,232/year — a difference of $780 (1.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Elko and Las Vegas?

Elko medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $32.22/hr while Las Vegas hygienists earn $31.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Elko to Las Vegas as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Elko and Las Vegas. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Elko = $68,171, Las Vegas = $66,090), job availability (4 vs 1,390 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Elko vs Las Vegas?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $46,374 in Elko and $43,525 in Las Vegas. The Elko 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