Med Lab Scientist Salary

Indianapolis vs Hammond: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Hammond, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Indianapolis, IN
$64,343
$30.93/hr
Hammond, IN
$52,223
$25.11/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIndianapolis, INHammond, IN
Median Salary$64,343$52,223
Hourly Rate$30.93$25.11
Entry Level (P10)$43,853$33,055
25th Percentile$51,542$39,765
75th Percentile$85,947$66,845
Top Earner (P90)$95,603$80,945
Total Employed3,51020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Indianapolis ($64,343) and Hammond ($52,223) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.IndianapolisHammondMedian Salary$64,343$52,223Entry Level (P10)$43,853$33,055Top Earner (P90)$95,603$80,945US Median $68,734

Verdict

Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hammond.

The salary gap between Indianapolis and Hammond is $12,120 (23.21%). Indianapolis's median is -6.39% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $51,750,Hammond spans $47,890. Indianapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Indianapolis
P10 (Entry)$43,853
P25$51,542
Median$64,343
P75$85,947
P90 (Top)$95,603
Hammond
P10 (Entry)$33,055
P25$39,765
Median$52,223
P75$66,845
P90 (Top)$80,945

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($67,237 effective) pays 17.55% more than Hammond ($57,199 effective).

Indianapolis
Nominal: $64,343
CoL Index: 95.696
Adjusted: $67,237
Hammond
Nominal: $52,223
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $57,199

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Indianapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,343/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($95,603)
  • Larger job market (3,510 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,237)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Hammond if…

  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Indianapolis grew 37.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -13.5% growth in Hammond over the same period.

Indianapolis, IN

+37.0%

$45,570 (2019) → $62,445 (2025)

Hammond, IN

+-13.5%

$58,613 (2024) → $50,682 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Indianapolis or Hammond?

Indianapolis has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $64,343/year, compared to Hammond at $52,223/year — a difference of $12,120 (23.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Hammond?

Indianapolis medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $30.93/hr while Hammond hygienists earn $25.11/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Hammond as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Indianapolis and Hammond. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Indianapolis = $67,237, Hammond = $57,199), job availability (3,510 vs 20 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Indianapolis vs Hammond?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $43,853 in Indianapolis and $33,055 in Hammond. The Indianapolis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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