Med Lab Scientist Salary

Dunedin vs Orlando: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Dunedin, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dunedin, FL
$61,211
$29.43/hr
Orlando, FL
$63,306
$30.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDunedin, FLOrlando, FL
Median Salary$61,211$63,306
Hourly Rate$29.43$30.44
Entry Level (P10)$40,306$41,559
25th Percentile$47,736$44,890
75th Percentile$78,350$86,395
Top Earner (P90)$94,877$104,460
Total Employed62,820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dunedin ($61,211) and Orlando ($63,306) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.DunedinOrlandoMedian Salary$61,211$63,306Entry Level (P10)$40,306$41,559Top Earner (P90)$94,877$104,460US Median $68,734

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dunedin.

The salary gap between Dunedin and Orlando is $2,095 (3.42%). Orlando's median is -7.90% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dunedin spans $54,571,Orlando spans $62,901. Orlando has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.

Dunedin
P10 (Entry)$40,306
P25$47,736
Median$61,211
P75$78,350
P90 (Top)$94,877
Orlando
P10 (Entry)$41,559
P25$44,890
Median$63,306
P75$86,395
P90 (Top)$104,460

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($62,421 effective) pays 2.79% more than Dunedin ($60,725 effective).

Dunedin
Nominal: $61,211
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $60,725
Orlando
Nominal: $63,306
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $62,421

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dunedin if…

  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Orlando if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,306/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($104,460)
  • Larger job market (2,820 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,421)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Dunedin grew -3.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Orlando over the same period.

Dunedin, FL

+-3.9%

$61,828 (2024) → $59,405 (2025)

Orlando, FL

+18.3%

$51,940 (2019) → $61,438 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Dunedin or Orlando?

Orlando has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $63,306/year, compared to Dunedin at $61,211/year — a difference of $2,095 (3.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dunedin and Orlando?

Dunedin medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $29.43/hr while Orlando hygienists earn $30.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dunedin to Orlando as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dunedin and Orlando. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dunedin = $60,725, Orlando = $62,421), job availability (6 vs 2,820 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Dunedin vs Orlando?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $40,306 in Dunedin and $41,559 in Orlando. The Orlando area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jerome Patel, BS, MT(ASCP)Data verified by Fatima Hussain, MS, CLS

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