Falls Church vs Virginia Beach: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Falls Church, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Falls Church, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,119 | $64,289▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.90 | $30.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,383 | $41,537▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,098 | $49,401▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,298 | $82,365▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,043 | $90,600▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,450▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Falls Church.
The salary gap between Falls Church and Virginia Beach is $4,170 (6.94%). Virginia Beach's median is -6.47% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Falls Church spans $49,660,Virginia Beach spans $49,063. Falls Church 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, Virginia Beach ($65,641 effective) pays 12.68% more than Falls Church ($58,255 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Falls Church if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,289/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,600)
- ✓Larger job market (1,450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,641)
- ✓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 Falls Church grew -12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Falls Church, VA
$66,610 (2024) → $58,345 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$50,210 (2019) → $62,392 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Falls Church, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Falls Church or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Falls Church and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Falls Church to Virginia Beach as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Falls Church vs Virginia Beach?
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