Rockford vs Wheeling: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Rockford, IL and Wheeling, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheeling, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,424▲ | $70,967 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.10▲ | $34.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,280▲ | $46,965 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,478▲ | $55,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,549 | $90,837▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,797 | $109,998▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Rockford and Wheeling is $12,457 (17.55%). Rockford's median is +21.37% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $57,517,Wheeling spans $63,033. Wheeling 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, Rockford ($90,527 effective) pays 23.86% more than Wheeling ($73,087 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,424/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,527)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,998)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Rockford grew 81.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$44,650 (2019) → $80,963 (2025)
Wheeling, IL
$68,246 (2024) → $68,873 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Wheeling, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Rockford or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Wheeling as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Rockford vs Wheeling?
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