Lincoln vs North Platte: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Lincoln, NE and North Platte, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | North Platte, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,088 | $61,991▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.37 | $29.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,849 | $42,249▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,511▲ | $49,203 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,069▲ | $78,243 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,235 | $93,817▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 4 |
Verdict
North Platte, NE offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lincoln.
The salary gap between Lincoln and North Platte is $903 (1.48%). North Platte's median is -9.81% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $48,386,North Platte spans $51,568. North Platte 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, North Platte ($67,750 effective) pays 1.57% more than Lincoln ($66,704 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose North Platte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,991/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,817)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,750)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Lincoln grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in North Platte over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$45,710 (2019) → $59,286 (2025)
North Platte, NE
$54,454 (2024) → $60,162 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
North Platte, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Lincoln or North Platte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and North Platte?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to North Platte as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Lincoln vs North Platte?
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