Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,128▲ | $65,239 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.27▲ | $31.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,585▲ | $41,493 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,800▲ | $48,975 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,858▲ | $84,298 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,767▲ | $86,974 |
| Total Employed | 1,600▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah is $1,889 (2.90%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -2.34% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $60,182,Paducah spans $45,481. Louisville/Jefferson County 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 5.08% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($72,123 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,128/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,767)
- ✓Larger job market (1,600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓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 Louisville/Jefferson County grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.0% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$54,760 (2019) → $65,148 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$58,610 (2024) → $63,314 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Paducah as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Louisville/Jefferson County 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