Clinton vs Des Moines: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Clinton, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clinton, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,466 | $54,873▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.22 | $26.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,164 | $42,957▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,045 | $47,195▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,773 | $72,906▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,293 | $93,943▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 700▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clinton.
The salary gap between Clinton and Des Moines is $2,407 (4.59%). Des Moines's median is -20.17% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton spans $45,129,Des Moines spans $50,986. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($59,839 effective) pays 3.10% more than Clinton ($58,038 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clinton if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,873/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,943)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,839)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Clinton grew -9.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Clinton, IA
$55,988 (2024) → $50,918 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$46,030 (2019) → $53,254 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clinton, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Clinton or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Clinton to Des Moines as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Clinton vs Des Moines?
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