Salem vs Virginia Beach: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Salem, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,217 | $64,289▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.40 | $30.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,815 | $41,537▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,201▲ | $49,401 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,499 | $82,365▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,940▲ | $90,600 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,450▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Virginia Beach is $1,072 (1.70%). Virginia Beach's median is -6.47% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $58,125,Virginia Beach spans $49,063. Salem 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, Virginia Beach ($65,641 effective) pays 7.16% more than Salem ($61,257 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,940)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,289/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,641)
- ✓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 Salem grew -12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Salem, VA
$70,042 (2024) → $61,352 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$50,210 (2019) → $62,392 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Salem or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Salem to Virginia Beach as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Salem vs Virginia Beach?
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