Roanoke vs Salem: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Roanoke, VA and Salem, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,388 | $63,217▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.67 | $30.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,500▲ | $37,815 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,854 | $50,201▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,632 | $79,499▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,596 | $95,940▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salem, VA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Salem is $9,829 (18.41%). Salem's median is -8.03% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $47,096,Salem spans $58,125. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($61,257 effective) pays 7.42% more than Roanoke ($57,027 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,217/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,940)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,257)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Roanoke grew 34.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.4% growth in Salem over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$38,440 (2019) → $51,813 (2025)
Salem, VA
$70,042 (2024) → $61,352 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Roanoke or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Salem?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Salem as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Roanoke vs Salem?
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