There are many reasons why healthcare is one of the largest and most popular industries in the U.S., from the constant (and growing) demand to the job stability it offers. Healthcare technicians and technologists, in particular, are always in high demand for the crucial role they play in the healthcare system.
Whether you’re considering a career as a healthcare tech or you’re a seasoned professional ready to spread your wings and try somewhere new, choosing the right city can have a huge impact on your salary, job security, cost of living, and licensing requirements.
Different cities offer different advantages and disadvantages—for example, areas with the highest salaries often have a high cost of living to match. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 metro areas in the U.S. for healthcare techs based on factors like job demand, salary, projected growth, and affordability so you can choose the location that’s right for you.
1. New York City, NY Metro Area
With one of the highest employment rates (and salaries) for healthcare techs and a variety of top-tier hospitals to choose from, NYC and its surrounding areas have much to offer, despite the high cost of living.
- Job Demand: 60,000+ (6.2 per 1,000 residents)
- Projected Job Growth, Next 10 Years: 6% (about average)
- Average Salary: $75,000
- Cost of Living Index: 168 (very high)
- Licensing Requirements: New York requires state licensure for most healthcare technician roles.
- Top Healthcare Employers: New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Mount Sinai Health System, NYU Langone Health
2. Boston, MA Metro Area
Boston is home to some of the most cutting-edge medical facilities, with high salaries to match. While cost of living is higher than average, strong growth and diverse opportunities make Boston a top choice for healthcare techs.
- Job Demand: 30,000+ (5.8 per 1,000 residents)
- Projected Job Growth, Next 10 Years: 8% (above average)
- Average Salary: $72,000
- Cost of Living Index: 150 (high)
- Licensing Requirements: Clinical lab techs and radiologic techs require state licensure in Massachusetts.
- Top Healthcare Employers: Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center
3. Los Angeles, CA Metro Area
The LA metro area offers an attractive mix of high growth, high salaries, and high demand. While cost of living is high, factors like LA’s comfortable climate and proximity to world-renowned medical facilities will outweigh the cost for many healthcare techs.
- Job Demand: 40,000+ (5.2 per 1,000 residents)
- Projected Job Growth, Next 10 Years: 10% (above average)
- Average Salary: $70,000
- Cost of Living Index: 149 (high)
- Licensing Requirements: State licensure is required for radiologic, surgical, and clinical lab techs in California.
- Top Healthcare Employers: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Keck Hospital USC
4. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Metro Area
With one of the fastest-growing healthcare industries, a lower cost of living, and no state income tax, Dallas is a smart choice for healthcare techs looking to grow their career.
- Job Demand: 35,000+ (5.5 per 1,000 residents)
- Projected Job Growth, Next 10 Years: 12% (high)
- Average Salary: $62,000
- Cost of Living Index: 102 (average)
- Licensing Requirements: Radiologic techs require certification in Texas, while lab techs and surgical techs do not.
- Top Healthcare Employers: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Texas Health Resources
5. Houston, TX Metro Area
Houston is home to one of the largest medical facilities in the world, Texas Medical Center. Coupled with a lower cost of living, many healthcare techs are making the move to Houston to enjoy a high-growth career and a comfortable lifestyle.
- Job Demand: 32,000+ (5.4 per 1,000 residents)
- Projected Job Growth, Next 10 Years: 11% (high)
- Average Salary: $61,000
- Cost of Living Index: 96 (below average)
- Licensing Requirements: Radiologic techs require certification in Texas, while lab techs and surgical techs do not.
- Top Healthcare Employers: Texas Medical Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center
6. Chicago, IL Metro Area
Between its strong salaries, lower cost of living, and well-known university medical centers, Chicago is a popular midwest hub for healthcare jobs.
- Job Demand: 28,000+ (5.5 per 1,000 residents)
- Projected Job Growth, Next 10 Years: 7% (average)
- Average Salary: $68,000
- Cost of Living Index: 108 (slightly above average)
- Licensing: Radiologic techs require certification in Illinois, while lab techs and surgical techs do not.
- Top Healthcare Employers: Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medicine
7. Miami, FL Metro Area
For healthcare techs who want to soak up the sun while enjoying a high growth career, Miami offers the best of both worlds—and no state income tax.
- Job Demand: 25,000+ (4.8 per 1,000 residents)
- Projected Job Growth, Next 10 Years: 9% (high)
- Average Salary: $65,000
- Cost of Living Index: 120 (above average)
- Licensing Requirements: State licensure is required for radiologic techs and lab techs in Florida.
- Top Healthcare Employers: Jackson Memorial Hospital, Baptist Health South Florida, Mount Sinai Medical Center
8. Phoenix, AZ Metro Area
Phoenix has the fastest-growing healthcare industry on our list, making it a smart choice for healthcare techs looking to put down roots.
- Employment: 24,000+ (5.1 per 1,000 residents)
- Projected Job Growth: 13% (very high)
- Annual Mean Wage: $63,000
- Cost of Living Index: 106 (slightly above average)
- Licensing Requirements: Radiologic techs require certification in Arizona, while surgical and lab techs do not.
- Top Healthcare Employers: Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, Dignity Health
9. Atlanta, GA Metro Area
Atlanta offers a highly attractive combination of high job growth and low cost of living. Combined with less rigorous licensing requirements and strong demand, Atlanta is a growing hub for healthcare techs.
- Job Demand: 22,000+ (4.9 per 1,000 residents)
- Projected Job Growth, Next 10 Years: 10% (high)
- Average Salary: $67,000
- Cost of Living Index: 99 (average)
- Licensing Requirements: Most healthcare tech roles don’t require state licensure in Georgia.
- Top Healthcare Employers: Emory Healthcare, Northside Hospital, Piedmont Healthcare
10. Washington, DC Metro Area
While the DC area has a higher cost of living than others on our list, it offers competitive salaries and strong demand, plus access to some of the top medical facilities in the country.
- Job Demand: 21,000+ (4.7 per 1,000 residents)
- Projected Job Growth, Next 10 Years: 8% (average)
- Average Salary $69,000
- Cost of Living Index: 152 (high)
- Licensing: Maryland requires state licensure for lab and radiologic techs, while Virginia and the District of Columbia do not.
- Top Healthcare Employers: MedStar Health, George Washington University Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. News & World Report
