Hermiston vs Salem: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Hermiston, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hermiston, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,986▲ | $85,892 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.34▲ | $41.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,540 | $56,086▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,020▲ | $63,698 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,320▲ | $107,311 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,278▲ | $126,152 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Hermiston, OR offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Hermiston and Salem is $94 (0.11%). Hermiston's median is +25.10% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hermiston spans $78,738,Salem spans $70,066. Hermiston 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, Hermiston ($83,807 effective) pays 1.13% more than Salem ($82,868 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hermiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,986/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,278)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,807)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Hermiston grew -0.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 72.7% growth in Salem over the same period.
Hermiston, OR
$83,682 (2024) → $83,449 (2025)
Salem, OR
$48,280 (2019) → $83,358 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hermiston, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Hermiston or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hermiston and Salem?
Should I relocate from Hermiston to Salem as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Hermiston vs Salem?
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