Bethesda vs Lexington Park: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Bethesda, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethesda, MD | Lexington Park, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,916 | $79,339▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.98 | $38.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,602 | $51,914▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,933 | $63,644▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,453▲ | $93,374 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,220▲ | $99,568 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Lexington Park, MD offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bethesda.
The salary gap between Bethesda and Lexington Park is $2,423 (3.15%). Lexington Park's median is +15.43% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethesda spans $71,618,Lexington Park spans $47,654. Bethesda 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, Lexington Park ($78,741 effective) pays 11.89% more than Bethesda ($70,371 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethesda if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,220)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,339/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,741)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Bethesda grew -9.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.
Bethesda, MD
$82,345 (2024) → $74,647 (2025)
Lexington Park, MD
$60,710 (2024) → $76,998 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethesda, MD
Lexington Park, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Bethesda or Lexington Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethesda and Lexington Park?
Should I relocate from Bethesda to Lexington Park as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Bethesda vs Lexington Park?
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