Iowa City vs Marion: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Iowa City, IA and Marion, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,948▲ | $54,977 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.38▲ | $26.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,634▲ | $34,170 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,634▲ | $41,246 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,941 | $70,036▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,130▲ | $84,910 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marion.
The salary gap between Iowa City and Marion is $1,971 (3.59%). Iowa City's median is -17.15% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $46,496,Marion spans $50,740. Marion 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, Iowa City ($62,232 effective) pays 2.33% more than Marion ($60,815 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,948/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,130)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,232)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marion if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Iowa City grew 16.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -9.1% growth in Marion over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$47,610 (2020) → $55,268 (2025)
Marion, IA
$58,668 (2024) → $53,355 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
Marion, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Iowa City or Marion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and Marion?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to Marion as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Iowa City vs Marion?
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