Niagara Falls vs Rochester: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Niagara Falls, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Niagara Falls, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,470 | $88,786▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.05 | $42.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,735▲ | $50,603 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,828 | $67,969▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,842▲ | $102,123 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,379▲ | $109,070 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 1,140▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Niagara Falls.
The salary gap between Niagara Falls and Rochester is $1,316 (1.50%). Rochester's median is +29.17% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Niagara Falls spans $77,644,Rochester spans $58,467. Niagara Falls 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, Rochester ($91,499 effective) pays 21.24% more than Niagara Falls ($75,470 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Niagara Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,379)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,786/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,499)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Niagara Falls grew -7.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 53.6% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Niagara Falls, NY
$91,345 (2024) → $84,889 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$56,110 (2019) → $86,167 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Niagara Falls, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Niagara Falls or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Niagara Falls and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Niagara Falls to Rochester as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Niagara Falls vs Rochester?
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