Sacramento vs San Jose: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,818 | $92,697▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.67 | $44.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,858 | $72,994▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,155 | $89,486▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,380 | $108,840▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,106 | $163,430▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,020▲ | 1,870 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Jose is $1,879 (2.07%). San Jose's median is +34.86% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $85,248,San Jose spans $90,436. San Jose 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, Sacramento ($85,139 effective) pays 1.42% more than San Jose ($83,947 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,139)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,697/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,430)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Sacramento grew 35.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.6% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$65,300 (2019) → $88,139 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$60,940 (2019) → $89,962 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Sacramento or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Jose as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Sacramento vs San Jose?
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