SalaryByCity

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

$61,890

Median annual salary

343,040 employed nationally

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

$61,010

Median annual salary

367,220 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians professionals earn $880 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 1.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians earns $97,990 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

Salary Range Comparison

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$38,020 – $97,990
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$38,020$98,990

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileClinical Laboratory Technologists and TechniciansParalegals and Legal AssistantsDifference
10th Percentile$38,020$39,710$-1,690
25th Percentile$46,580$48,190$-1,610
Median (50th)$61,890$61,010+$880
75th Percentile$80,010$78,280+$1,730
90th Percentile$97,990$98,990$-1,000
Mean (Average)$65,320$66,510$-1,190

Employment Numbers

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

343,040

employed nationwide

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

367,220

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$81,900
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$81,390
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$80,580
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA$80,160
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA$78,850

Best Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$97,740
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$85,230
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$84,950
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$80,550
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO$79,240

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $880 (1.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians?
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians salaries range from $38,020 (10th percentile) to $97,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,890.
What is the salary range for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries range from $39,710 (10th percentile) to $98,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,010.
How many Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 343,040 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians positions and 367,220 Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Paralegals and Legal Assistants to Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians has a median salary of $61,890 while Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $61,010. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.

Career Resources

Career Change Resources

Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.

Professional Certifications

Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.

Online Degree Programs

Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.

Resume Writing Services

Get professional help crafting a standout resume.

Explore More

Cost of Living by CityCollege & University DataSalary Calculators

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS