Waterbury vs West Haven: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Waterbury, CT and West Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Waterbury, CT | West Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,710▲ | $76,834 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.65▲ | $36.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,101 | $49,292▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,628▲ | $58,941 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,955▲ | $98,348 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,826 | $119,093▲ |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Waterbury, CT offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Haven.
The salary gap between Waterbury and West Haven is $11,876 (15.46%). Waterbury's median is +29.06% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Waterbury spans $66,725,West Haven spans $69,801. West Haven 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, Waterbury ($88,907 effective) pays 24.85% more than West Haven ($71,209 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,710/year)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,907)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose West Haven if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,093)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Waterbury grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.6% growth in West Haven over the same period.
Waterbury, CT
$67,010 (2019) → $86,093 (2025)
West Haven, CT
$84,366 (2024) → $74,567 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Waterbury, CT
West Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Waterbury or West Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Waterbury and West Haven?
Should I relocate from Waterbury to West Haven as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Waterbury vs West Haven?
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