Lake Charles vs Shreveport: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Lake Charles, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Charles, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,956 | $65,467▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.62 | $31.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,826 | $38,370▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,058 | $47,654▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,782 | $87,608▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,533 | $108,064▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 460▲ |
Verdict
Shreveport, LA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Charles.
The salary gap between Lake Charles and Shreveport is $20,511 (45.62%). Shreveport's median is -4.75% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Charles spans $58,707,Shreveport spans $69,694. Shreveport 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, Shreveport ($77,233 effective) pays 47.49% more than Lake Charles ($52,365 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,467/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,064)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,233)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Lake Charles grew -6.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.3% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Lake Charles, LA
$46,510 (2019) → $43,630 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$45,610 (2019) → $63,536 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Charles, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Lake Charles or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Charles and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Lake Charles to Shreveport as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Lake Charles vs Shreveport?
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