Med Lab Scientist Salary

Idaho Falls vs Pocatello: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Pocatello, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Idaho Falls, ID
$48,801
$23.46/hr
Pocatello, ID
$45,731
$21.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIdaho Falls, IDPocatello, ID
Median Salary$48,801$45,731
Hourly Rate$23.46$21.99
Entry Level (P10)$39,145$38,872
25th Percentile$42,051$41,811
75th Percentile$71,912$69,258
Top Earner (P90)$94,325$102,057
Total Employed190110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Idaho Falls ($48,801) and Pocatello ($45,731) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.Idaho FallsPocatelloMedian Salary$48,801$45,731Entry Level (P10)$39,145$38,872Top Earner (P90)$94,325$102,057US Median $68,734

Verdict

Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.

The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Pocatello is $3,070 (6.71%). Idaho Falls's median is -29.00% 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,Pocatello spans $63,185. Pocatello has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.

Idaho Falls
P10 (Entry)$39,145
P25$42,051
Median$48,801
P75$71,912
P90 (Top)$94,325
Pocatello
P10 (Entry)$38,872
P25$41,811
Median$45,731
P75$69,258
P90 (Top)$102,057

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($51,689 effective) pays 0.49% more than Pocatello ($51,437 effective).

Idaho Falls
Nominal: $48,801
CoL Index: 94.412
Adjusted: $51,689
Pocatello
Nominal: $45,731
CoL Index: 88.906
Adjusted: $51,437

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Idaho Falls if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,801/year)
  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,689)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Pocatello if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($102,057)
  • 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 50.0% growth in Pocatello over the same period.

Idaho Falls, ID

+-13.4%

$54,660 (2019) → $47,361 (2025)

Pocatello, ID

+50.0%

$29,590 (2021) → $44,382 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Idaho Falls or Pocatello?

Idaho Falls has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $48,801/year, compared to Pocatello at $45,731/year — a difference of $3,070 (6.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Pocatello?

Idaho Falls medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $23.46/hr while Pocatello hygienists earn $21.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Pocatello as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Idaho Falls and Pocatello. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Idaho Falls = $51,689, Pocatello = $51,437), job availability (190 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Idaho Falls vs Pocatello?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $39,145 in Idaho Falls and $38,872 in Pocatello. The Idaho Falls 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