Med Lab Scientist Salary

Phoenix vs Mesa: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Phoenix, AZ
$68,297
$32.83/hr
Mesa, AZ
$67,966
$32.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZMesa, AZ
Median Salary$68,297$67,966
Hourly Rate$32.83$32.67
Entry Level (P10)$44,377$42,347
25th Percentile$52,852$51,513
75th Percentile$87,772$86,997
Top Earner (P90)$108,742$105,348
Total Employed5,16098
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($68,297) and Mesa ($67,966) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.PhoenixMesaMedian Salary$68,297$67,966Entry Level (P10)$44,377$42,347Top Earner (P90)$108,742$105,348US Median $68,734

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Mesa is $331 (0.49%). Phoenix's median is -0.64% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $64,365,Mesa spans $63,001. Phoenix has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$44,377
P25$52,852
Median$68,297
P75$87,772
P90 (Top)$108,742
Mesa
P10 (Entry)$42,347
P25$51,513
Median$67,966
P75$86,997
P90 (Top)$105,348

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($69,001 effective) pays 4.38% more than Phoenix ($66,105 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $68,297
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $66,105
Mesa
Nominal: $67,966
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $69,001

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,297/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($108,742)
  • Larger job market (5,160 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Mesa if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,001)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Phoenix grew 47.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -18.0% growth in Mesa over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+47.1%

$45,070 (2019) → $66,282 (2025)

Mesa, AZ

+-18.0%

$80,457 (2024) → $65,961 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Phoenix or Mesa?

Phoenix has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $68,297/year, compared to Mesa at $67,966/year — a difference of $331 (0.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Mesa?

Phoenix medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $32.83/hr while Mesa hygienists earn $32.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to Mesa as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Mesa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $66,105, Mesa = $69,001), job availability (5,160 vs 98 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Phoenix vs Mesa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $44,377 in Phoenix and $42,347 in Mesa. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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