Kennewick vs Walla Walla: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Kennewick, WA and Walla Walla, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Walla Walla, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,697 | $76,740▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.59 | $36.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,398 | $52,569▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,481 | $60,018▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,847 | $100,824▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,126 | $124,120▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Walla Walla, WA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Walla Walla is $11,043 (16.81%). Walla Walla's median is +11.65% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $60,728,Walla Walla spans $71,551. Walla Walla 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, Walla Walla ($77,894 effective) pays 18.66% more than Kennewick ($65,645 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Walla Walla if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,740/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,120)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,894)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Kennewick grew 33.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in Walla Walla over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$47,850 (2019) → $63,759 (2025)
Walla Walla, WA
$66,830 (2019) → $74,476 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Walla Walla, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Kennewick or Walla Walla?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Walla Walla?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Walla Walla as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Kennewick vs Walla Walla?
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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.
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