Los Angeles vs Thousand Oaks: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Thousand Oaks, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,649 | $83,675▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.41 | $40.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,105 | $53,772▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,081 | $64,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,376 | $107,104▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,841▲ | $129,695 |
| Total Employed | 10,150▲ | 32 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks is $10,026 (13.61%). Thousand Oaks's median is +21.74% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $82,736,Thousand Oaks spans $75,923. Los Angeles 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, Thousand Oaks ($73,983 effective) pays 14.08% more than Los Angeles ($64,851 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,841)
- ✓Larger job market (10,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Thousand Oaks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,675/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,983)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Los Angeles grew 28.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -28.6% growth in Thousand Oaks over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$55,680 (2019) → $71,476 (2025)
Thousand Oaks, CA
$113,770 (2024) → $81,206 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Thousand Oaks, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Thousand Oaks as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Los Angeles vs Thousand Oaks?
Related Comparisons
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