Houston vs San Marcos: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Houston, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,008▲ | $66,581 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.22▲ | $32.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,045▲ | $40,959 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,302▲ | $49,964 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,106 | $85,224▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,584▲ | $103,201 |
| Total Employed | 7,410▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Marcos.
The salary gap between Houston and San Marcos is $427 (0.64%). Houston's median is -2.51% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $64,539,San Marcos spans $62,242. Houston 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, San Marcos ($69,355 effective) pays 2.08% more than Houston ($67,939 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,008/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,584)
- ✓Larger job market (7,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,355)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Houston grew 22.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.3% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Houston, TX
$53,120 (2019) → $65,031 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$66,134 (2024) → $64,617 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Houston or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Houston to San Marcos as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Houston vs San Marcos?
Related Comparisons
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