Med Lab Scientist Salary

Hoffman Estates vs Kankakee: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Hoffman Estates, IL and Kankakee, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hoffman Estates, IL
$72,430
$34.82/hr
Kankakee, IL
$66,844
$32.14/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHoffman Estates, ILKankakee, IL
Median Salary$72,430$66,844
Hourly Rate$34.82$32.14
Entry Level (P10)$42,888$41,450
25th Percentile$52,879$50,024
75th Percentile$92,710$86,001
Top Earner (P90)$112,266$104,635
Total Employed8820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hoffman Estates ($72,430) and Kankakee ($66,844) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.Hoffman EstatesKankakeeMedian Salary$72,430$66,844Entry Level (P10)$42,888$41,450Top Earner (P90)$112,266$104,635US Median $68,734

Verdict

Hoffman Estates, IL offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kankakee.

The salary gap between Hoffman Estates and Kankakee is $5,586 (8.36%). Hoffman Estates's median is +5.38% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hoffman Estates spans $69,378,Kankakee spans $63,185. Hoffman Estates has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hoffman Estates
P10 (Entry)$42,888
P25$52,879
Median$72,430
P75$92,710
P90 (Top)$112,266
Kankakee
P10 (Entry)$41,450
P25$50,024
Median$66,844
P75$86,001
P90 (Top)$104,635

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hoffman Estates ($74,593 effective) pays 7.57% more than Kankakee ($69,345 effective).

Hoffman Estates
Nominal: $72,430
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $74,593
Kankakee
Nominal: $66,844
CoL Index: 96.394
Adjusted: $69,345

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hoffman Estates if…

  • Higher median salary ($72,430/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($112,266)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,593)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Kankakee if…

  • Larger job market (820 employed)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Hoffman Estates grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.5% growth in Kankakee over the same period.

Hoffman Estates, IL

+0.9%

$69,653 (2024) → $70,293 (2025)

Kankakee, IL

+34.5%

$48,220 (2019) → $64,872 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Hoffman Estates or Kankakee?

Hoffman Estates has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $72,430/year, compared to Kankakee at $66,844/year — a difference of $5,586 (8.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hoffman Estates and Kankakee?

Hoffman Estates medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $34.82/hr while Kankakee hygienists earn $32.14/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hoffman Estates to Kankakee as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hoffman Estates and Kankakee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hoffman Estates = $74,593, Kankakee = $69,345), job availability (8 vs 820 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Hoffman Estates vs Kankakee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $42,888 in Hoffman Estates and $41,450 in Kankakee. The Hoffman Estates 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