Raleigh vs Wilmington: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,260▲ | $63,470 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.38▲ | $30.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,896▲ | $42,575 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,657▲ | $49,849 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,533▲ | $83,184 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,466▲ | $89,486 |
| Total Employed | 1,810▲ | 400 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $1,790 (2.82%). Raleigh's median is -5.05% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $50,570,Wilmington spans $46,911. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($66,485 effective) pays 1.00% more than Wilmington ($65,825 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,466)
- ✓Larger job market (1,810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,485)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Raleigh grew 17.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$54,060 (2019) → $63,335 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$50,370 (2019) → $61,597 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Raleigh or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wilmington as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Raleigh vs Wilmington?
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