Boston vs Watertown: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Boston, MA and Watertown, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Watertown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,810▲ | $85,685 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.73▲ | $41.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,329 | $53,889▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,002 | $68,001▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,249▲ | $107,665 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,152 | $130,210▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,710▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Boston and Watertown is $1,125 (1.31%). Boston's median is +26.30% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $64,823,Watertown spans $76,321. Watertown 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, Boston ($80,182 effective) pays 1.53% more than Watertown ($78,972 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,810/year)
- ✓Larger job market (8,710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,182)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,210)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Boston grew 44.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.7% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Boston, MA
$58,520 (2019) → $84,249 (2025)
Watertown, MA
$92,100 (2024) → $83,157 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Watertown, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Boston or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Boston to Watertown as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Boston vs Watertown?
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