St. Louis vs Columbia: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between St. Louis, MO and Columbia, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Columbia, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,532 | $73,616▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.47 | $35.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,941 | $42,608▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,263 | $57,484▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,188 | $96,673▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,793▲ | $99,775 |
| Total Employed | 3,960▲ | 230 |
Verdict
St. Louis and Columbia are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Columbia is $6,084 (9.01%). Columbia's median is +7.10% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $63,852,Columbia spans $57,167. St. Louis 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, Columbia ($82,310 effective) pays 15.90% more than St. Louis ($71,021 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,793)
- ✓Larger job market (3,960 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,616/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,310)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in St. Louis grew 35.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 78.2% growth in Columbia over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$48,350 (2019) → $65,540 (2025)
Columbia, MO
$40,100 (2019) → $71,444 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Columbia, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: St. Louis or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Columbia?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Columbia as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in St. Louis vs Columbia?
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