Med Lab Scientist Salary

Hastings vs Omaha: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Hastings, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hastings, NE
$65,040
$31.27/hr
Omaha, NE
$64,900
$31.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHastings, NEOmaha, NE
Median Salary$65,040$64,900
Hourly Rate$31.27$31.20
Entry Level (P10)$39,644$40,783
25th Percentile$48,168$49,314
75th Percentile$82,223$84,407
Top Earner (P90)$99,654$103,018
Total Employed5920
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hastings ($65,040) and Omaha ($64,900) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.HastingsOmahaMedian Salary$65,040$64,900Entry Level (P10)$39,644$40,783Top Earner (P90)$99,654$103,018US Median $68,734

Verdict

Hastings and Omaha are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Hastings and Omaha is $140 (0.22%). Hastings's median is -5.37% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hastings spans $60,010,Omaha spans $62,235. Omaha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.

Hastings
P10 (Entry)$39,644
P25$48,168
Median$65,040
P75$82,223
P90 (Top)$99,654
Omaha
P10 (Entry)$40,783
P25$49,314
Median$64,900
P75$84,407
P90 (Top)$103,018

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hastings ($71,082 effective) pays 0.67% more than Omaha ($70,612 effective).

Hastings
Nominal: $65,040
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $71,082
Omaha
Nominal: $64,900
CoL Index: 91.911
Adjusted: $70,612

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hastings if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,040/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,082)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Omaha if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($103,018)
  • Larger job market (920 employed)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Hastings grew 10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Omaha over the same period.

Hastings, NE

+10.5%

$57,133 (2024) → $63,121 (2025)

Omaha, NE

+16.5%

$54,070 (2019) → $62,985 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Hastings or Omaha?

Hastings has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $65,040/year, compared to Omaha at $64,900/year — a difference of $140 (0.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hastings and Omaha?

Hastings medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $31.27/hr while Omaha hygienists earn $31.20/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hastings to Omaha as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hastings and Omaha. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hastings = $71,082, Omaha = $70,612), job availability (5 vs 920 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Hastings vs Omaha?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $39,644 in Hastings and $40,783 in Omaha. The Omaha 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