Phoenix vs Surprise: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Surprise, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,297▲ | $66,209 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.83▲ | $31.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,377▲ | $41,718 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,852▲ | $50,347 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,772▲ | $84,748 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,742▲ | $102,625 |
| Total Employed | 5,160▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Surprise is $2,088 (3.15%). 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,Surprise spans $60,907. Phoenix 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, Surprise ($67,217 effective) pays 1.68% more than Phoenix ($66,105 effective).
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 Surprise if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,217)
- ✓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 -14.0% growth in Surprise over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$45,070 (2019) → $66,282 (2025)
Surprise, AZ
$74,698 (2024) → $64,256 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Surprise, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Phoenix or Surprise?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Surprise?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Surprise as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Phoenix vs Surprise?
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