Phlebotomist Pay

Altus vs Tulsa: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Altus, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Altus, OK
$39,834
$19.15/hr
Tulsa, OK
$40,782
$19.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAltus, OKTulsa, OK
Median Salary$39,834$40,782
Hourly Rate$19.15$19.60
Entry Level (P10)$32,524$37,418
25th Percentile$33,689$38,964
75th Percentile$40,677$48,954
Top Earner (P90)$50,205$51,284
Total Employed5630
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Altus ($39,834) and Tulsa ($40,782) phlebotomist salaries.AltusTulsaMedian Salary$39,834$40,782Entry Level (P10)$32,524$37,418Top Earner (P90)$50,205$51,284US Median $47,261

Verdict

Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altus.

The salary gap between Altus and Tulsa is $948 (2.38%). Tulsa's median is -13.71% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altus spans $17,681,Tulsa spans $13,866. Altus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Altus
P10 (Entry)$32,524
P25$33,689
Median$39,834
P75$40,677
P90 (Top)$50,205
Tulsa
P10 (Entry)$37,418
P25$38,964
Median$40,782
P75$48,954
P90 (Top)$51,284

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($45,713 effective) pays 2.02% more than Altus ($44,808 effective).

Altus
Nominal: $39,834
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $44,808
Tulsa
Nominal: $40,782
CoL Index: 89.214
Adjusted: $45,713

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Altus if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Tulsa if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,782/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($51,284)
  • Larger job market (630 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,713)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Altus grew 25.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Tulsa over the same period.

Altus, OK

+25.6%

$30,342 (2024) → $38,122 (2025)

Tulsa, OK

+30.9%

$29,820 (2019) → $39,030 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Altus or Tulsa?

Tulsa has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $40,782/year, compared to Altus at $39,834/year — a difference of $948 (2.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Altus and Tulsa?

Altus phlebotomists earn $19.15/hr while Tulsa hygienists earn $19.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Altus to Tulsa as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Altus and Tulsa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Altus = $44,808, Tulsa = $45,713), job availability (5 vs 630 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Altus vs Tulsa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $32,524 in Altus and $37,418 in Tulsa. The Tulsa area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Aisha Patel, MLT

Career Analyst

Aisha has over 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory technology. She specializes in blood collection and processing. She works in a large urban hospital.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Thompson, PBT(ASCP)Data verified by Maria Garcia, CPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.49% 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 Aisha Patel, MLT, a licensed phlebotomist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov