SalaryByCity

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians vs Retail Salespersons: 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

Retail Salespersons

$34,580

Median annual salary

3,800,250 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians professionals earn $27,310 more per year than Retail Salespersons professionals — that's 79.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians earns $97,990 compared to $47,930 for Retail Salespersons.

Salary Range Comparison

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$38,020 – $97,990
Retail Salespersons$25,600 – $47,930
$25,600$97,990

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileClinical Laboratory Technologists and TechniciansRetail SalespersonsDifference
10th Percentile$38,020$25,600+$12,420
25th Percentile$46,580$29,140+$17,440
Median (50th)$61,890$34,580+$27,310
75th Percentile$80,010$37,850+$42,160
90th Percentile$97,990$47,930+$50,060
Mean (Average)$65,320$37,150+$28,170

Employment Numbers

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

343,040

employed nationwide

Retail Salespersons

3,800,250

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 Retail Salespersons

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$43,040
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$42,490
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$39,180
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO$37,500
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$37,350

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians or Retail Salespersons?
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $27,310 (79.0% 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 Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons salaries range from $25,600 (10th percentile) to $47,930 (90th percentile), with a median of $34,580.
How many Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians and Retail Salespersons jobs are there?
There are approximately 343,040 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians positions and 3,800,250 Retail Salespersons positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Retail Salespersons 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 Retail Salespersons earns $34,580. 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