Johnson City vs Knoxville: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Johnson City, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,703 | $64,059▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.78 | $30.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,741 | $40,838▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,615 | $48,975▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,563 | $72,742▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,396 | $89,933▲ |
| Total Employed | 330 | 1,320▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Knoxville is $8,356 (15.00%). Knoxville's median is -6.80% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $45,655,Knoxville spans $49,095. Knoxville 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, Knoxville ($69,201 effective) pays 9.24% more than Johnson City ($63,351 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,059/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,933)
- ✓Larger job market (1,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,201)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Johnson City grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$46,020 (2019) → $54,060 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$49,180 (2019) → $62,169 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Johnson City or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Knoxville as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Johnson City vs Knoxville?
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