Idaho Falls vs Lewiston: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Lewiston, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Idaho Falls, ID | Lewiston, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,801 | $54,447▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.46 | $26.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,145 | $40,652▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,051 | $43,755▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,912 | $85,128▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,325 | $103,794▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Lewiston, ID offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Idaho Falls.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Lewiston is $5,646 (11.57%). Lewiston's median is -20.79% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $55,180,Lewiston spans $63,142. Lewiston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($59,727 effective) pays 15.55% more than Idaho Falls ($51,689 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,447/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,794)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,727)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Idaho Falls grew -13.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in Lewiston over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$54,660 (2019) → $47,361 (2025)
Lewiston, ID
$53,640 (2019) → $52,841 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Lewiston, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Idaho Falls or Lewiston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Lewiston?
Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Lewiston as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Idaho Falls vs Lewiston?
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