Lexington vs Paducah: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Lexington, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,217 | $65,239▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.36 | $31.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,488▲ | $41,493 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,705 | $48,975▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,938 | $84,298▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,603▲ | $86,974 |
| Total Employed | 980▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Lexington and Paducah is $22 (0.03%). Paducah's median is -5.08% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $53,115,Paducah spans $45,481. Lexington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Paducah ($75,785 effective) pays 7.94% more than Lexington ($70,210 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,603)
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,239/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,785)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Lexington grew 30.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.0% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$48,450 (2019) → $63,293 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$58,610 (2024) → $63,314 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Lexington or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Paducah as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Lexington vs Paducah?
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