Alexandria vs Richmond: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Alexandria, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,135▲ | $67,532 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.60▲ | $32.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,326▲ | $45,873 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,221▲ | $52,142 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,453▲ | $86,504 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,010▲ | $104,471 |
| Total Employed | 26 | N/A |
Verdict
Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Richmond is $8,603 (12.74%). Alexandria's median is +10.77% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $69,684,Richmond spans $58,598. Alexandria 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, Alexandria ($73,774 effective) pays 6.90% more than Richmond ($69,010 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,135/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,010)
- ✓Larger job market (26 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,774)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓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 Alexandria grew 2.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Alexandria, VA
$72,347 (2024) → $73,889 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$54,320 (2019) → $65,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Alexandria or Richmond?
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Should I relocate from Alexandria to Richmond as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
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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