New Bedford vs Worcester: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between New Bedford, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Bedford, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,457▲ | $84,363 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.05▲ | $40.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,412▲ | $49,739 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,493▲ | $56,959 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,946▲ | $105,793 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,558▲ | $109,648 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 950▲ |
Verdict
New Bedford, MA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.
The salary gap between New Bedford and Worcester is $3,094 (3.67%). New Bedford's median is +27.24% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Bedford spans $79,146,Worcester spans $59,909. New Bedford 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, Worcester ($82,287 effective) pays 2.09% more than New Bedford ($80,606 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,457/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,558)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,287)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in New Bedford grew 43.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 67.1% growth in Worcester over the same period.
New Bedford, MA
$59,320 (2021) → $84,877 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$49,010 (2019) → $81,874 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Bedford, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: New Bedford or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Bedford and Worcester?
Should I relocate from New Bedford to Worcester as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in New Bedford vs Worcester?
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