Med Lab Scientist Salary

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

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

Phoenix, AZ
$68,297
$32.83/hr
Sierra Vista, AZ
$57,986
$27.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZSierra Vista, AZ
Median Salary$68,297$57,986
Hourly Rate$32.83$27.88
Entry Level (P10)$44,377$39,418
25th Percentile$52,852$39,691
75th Percentile$87,772$84,505
Top Earner (P90)$108,742$98,967
Total Employed5,16080
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($68,297) and Sierra Vista ($57,986) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.PhoenixSierra VistaMedian Salary$68,297$57,986Entry Level (P10)$44,377$39,418Top Earner (P90)$108,742$98,967US Median $68,734

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Phoenix and Sierra Vista is $10,311 (17.78%). 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,Sierra Vista spans $59,549. 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
Sierra Vista
P10 (Entry)$39,418
P25$39,691
Median$57,986
P75$84,505
P90 (Top)$98,967

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($66,105 effective) pays 1.74% more than Sierra Vista ($64,975 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $68,297
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $66,105
Sierra Vista
Nominal: $57,986
CoL Index: 89.243
Adjusted: $64,975

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,105)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Sierra Vista if…

  • 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 3.5% growth in Sierra Vista over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+47.1%

$45,070 (2019) → $66,282 (2025)

Sierra Vista, AZ

+3.5%

$54,350 (2019) → $56,275 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Phoenix has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $68,297/year, compared to Sierra Vista at $57,986/year — a difference of $10,311 (17.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Sierra Vista?

Phoenix medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $32.83/hr while Sierra Vista hygienists earn $27.88/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Sierra Vista. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $66,105, Sierra Vista = $64,975), job availability (5,160 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $44,377 in Phoenix and $39,418 in Sierra Vista. The Phoenix 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