Fairfax vs Roanoke: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Fairfax, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfax, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,247▲ | $53,388 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.92▲ | $25.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,924 | $40,500▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,588▲ | $41,854 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,179▲ | $74,632 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,578▲ | $87,596 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Fairfax, VA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Fairfax and Roanoke is $8,859 (16.59%). Fairfax's median is -9.44% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfax spans $53,654,Roanoke spans $47,096. Fairfax 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, Fairfax ($60,317 effective) pays 5.77% more than Roanoke ($57,027 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfax if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,247/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,578)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,317)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Fairfax grew -12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.8% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Fairfax, VA
$68,968 (2024) → $60,411 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$38,440 (2019) → $51,813 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfax, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Fairfax or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfax and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Fairfax to Roanoke as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
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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.
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