Med Lab Scientist Salary

Johnstown vs Pittsburgh: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Johnstown, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Johnstown, PA
$55,114
$26.50/hr
Pittsburgh, PA
$52,001
$25.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJohnstown, PAPittsburgh, PA
Median Salary$55,114$52,001
Hourly Rate$26.50$25.00
Entry Level (P10)$37,343$40,554
25th Percentile$41,319$44,967
75th Percentile$74,129$72,317
Top Earner (P90)$74,129$87,335
Total Employed1702,610
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Johnstown ($55,114) and Pittsburgh ($52,001) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.JohnstownPittsburghMedian Salary$55,114$52,001Entry Level (P10)$37,343$40,554Top Earner (P90)$74,129$87,335US Median $68,734

Verdict

Johnstown and Pittsburgh are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Johnstown and Pittsburgh is $3,113 (5.99%). Johnstown's median is -19.82% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnstown spans $36,786,Pittsburgh spans $46,781. Pittsburgh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.

Johnstown
P10 (Entry)$37,343
P25$41,319
Median$55,114
P75$74,129
P90 (Top)$74,129
Pittsburgh
P10 (Entry)$40,554
P25$44,967
Median$52,001
P75$72,317
P90 (Top)$87,335

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Johnstown ($64,139 effective) pays 16.77% more than Pittsburgh ($54,928 effective).

Johnstown
Nominal: $55,114
CoL Index: 85.929
Adjusted: $64,139
Pittsburgh
Nominal: $52,001
CoL Index: 94.671
Adjusted: $54,928

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Johnstown if…

  • Higher median salary ($55,114/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,139)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Pittsburgh if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($87,335)
  • Larger job market (2,610 employed)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Johnstown grew 12.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.

Johnstown, PA

+12.7%

$47,450 (2019) → $53,488 (2025)

Pittsburgh, PA

+0.1%

$50,410 (2019) → $50,467 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Johnstown or Pittsburgh?

Johnstown has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $55,114/year, compared to Pittsburgh at $52,001/year — a difference of $3,113 (5.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Johnstown and Pittsburgh?

Johnstown medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $26.50/hr while Pittsburgh hygienists earn $25.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Johnstown to Pittsburgh as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Johnstown and Pittsburgh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Johnstown = $64,139, Pittsburgh = $54,928), job availability (170 vs 2,610 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Johnstown vs Pittsburgh?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $37,343 in Johnstown and $40,554 in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh 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