Tampa vs Cape Coral: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Tampa, FL and Cape Coral, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Cape Coral, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,319 | $69,422▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.84 | $33.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,991 | $41,374▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,644▲ | $44,793 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,247▲ | $86,898 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,759▲ | $106,995 |
| Total Employed | 4,830▲ | 1,090 |
Verdict
Tampa and Cape Coral are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Tampa and Cape Coral is $1,103 (1.61%). Cape Coral's median is +1.00% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $66,768,Cape Coral spans $65,621. Tampa 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, Cape Coral ($67,829 effective) pays 0.17% more than Tampa ($67,716 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,759)
- ✓Larger job market (4,830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Cape Coral if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,422/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,829)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Tampa grew 36.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.1% growth in Cape Coral over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$48,460 (2019) → $66,303 (2025)
Cape Coral, FL
$58,560 (2019) → $67,374 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Coral, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Tampa or Cape Coral?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Cape Coral?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Cape Coral as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Tampa vs Cape Coral?
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