Nashville vs Johnson City: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Nashville, TN and Johnson City, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Johnson City, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,061▲ | $55,703 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.17▲ | $26.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,164▲ | $38,741 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,683▲ | $39,615 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,031▲ | $69,563 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,143▲ | $84,396 |
| Total Employed | 3,050▲ | 330 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Nashville and Johnson City is $15,358 (27.57%). Nashville's median is +3.39% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $62,979,Johnson City spans $45,655. Nashville 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, Nashville ($73,762 effective) pays 16.43% more than Johnson City ($63,351 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,061/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,143)
- ✓Larger job market (3,050 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,762)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Nashville grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Johnson City over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$53,610 (2019) → $68,964 (2025)
Johnson City, TN
$46,020 (2019) → $54,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Johnson City, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Nashville or Johnson City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Johnson City?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Johnson City as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Nashville vs Johnson City?
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