Med Lab Scientist Salary

Newark vs Princeton: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Newark, NJ and Princeton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newark, NJ
$106,026
$50.97/hr
Princeton, NJ
$81,284
$39.08/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJPrinceton, NJ
Median Salary$106,026$81,284
Hourly Rate$50.97$39.08
Entry Level (P10)$61,495$51,432
25th Percentile$81,143$61,592
75th Percentile$135,713$102,482
Top Earner (P90)$164,341$123,686
Total Employed616
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($106,026) and Princeton ($81,284) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.NewarkPrincetonMedian Salary$106,026$81,284Entry Level (P10)$61,495$51,432Top Earner (P90)$164,341$123,686US Median $68,734

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Princeton.

The salary gap between Newark and Princeton is $24,742 (30.44%). Newark's median is +54.26% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $102,846,Princeton spans $72,254. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$61,495
P25$81,143
Median$106,026
P75$135,713
P90 (Top)$164,341
Princeton
P10 (Entry)$51,432
P25$61,592
Median$81,284
P75$102,482
P90 (Top)$123,686

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($92,036 effective) pays 30.44% more than Princeton ($70,559 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $106,026
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $92,036
Princeton
Nominal: $81,284
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $70,559

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,026/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($164,341)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,036)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Princeton if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Newark grew 6.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -13.5% growth in Princeton over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+6.2%

$96,911 (2024) → $102,898 (2025)

Princeton, NJ

+-13.5%

$91,172 (2024) → $78,886 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Newark or Princeton?

Newark has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $106,026/year, compared to Princeton at $81,284/year — a difference of $24,742 (30.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Princeton?

Newark medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $50.97/hr while Princeton hygienists earn $39.08/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newark to Princeton as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Princeton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $92,036, Princeton = $70,559), job availability (61 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Newark vs Princeton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $61,495 in Newark and $51,432 in Princeton. The Newark area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jerome Patel, BS, MT(ASCP)Data verified by Fatima Hussain, MS, CLS

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