Phlebotomist Pay

Augusta vs Dalton: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Augusta, GA and Dalton, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Augusta, GA
$41,671
$20.04/hr
Dalton, GA
$38,933
$18.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, GADalton, GA
Median Salary$41,671$38,933
Hourly Rate$20.04$18.71
Entry Level (P10)$35,171$31,441
25th Percentile$37,470$31,441
75th Percentile$49,675$41,347
Top Earner (P90)$51,221$46,947
Total Employed24080
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($41,671) and Dalton ($38,933) phlebotomist salaries.AugustaDaltonMedian Salary$41,671$38,933Entry Level (P10)$35,171$31,441Top Earner (P90)$51,221$46,947US Median $47,261

Verdict

Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dalton.

The salary gap between Augusta and Dalton is $2,738 (7.03%). Augusta's median is -11.83% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $16,050,Dalton spans $15,506. Augusta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$35,171
P25$37,470
Median$41,671
P75$49,675
P90 (Top)$51,221
Dalton
P10 (Entry)$31,441
P25$31,441
Median$38,933
P75$41,347
P90 (Top)$46,947

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Augusta ($45,342 effective) pays 4.63% more than Dalton ($43,334 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $41,671
CoL Index: 91.903
Adjusted: $45,342
Dalton
Nominal: $38,933
CoL Index: 89.844
Adjusted: $43,334

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Augusta if…

  • Higher median salary ($41,671/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($51,221)
  • Larger job market (240 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,342)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Dalton if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Augusta grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.8% growth in Dalton over the same period.

Augusta, GA

+24.1%

$32,140 (2019) → $39,880 (2025)

Dalton, GA

+32.8%

$28,060 (2019) → $37,260 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Augusta or Dalton?

Augusta has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $41,671/year, compared to Dalton at $38,933/year — a difference of $2,738 (7.03%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Dalton?

Augusta phlebotomists earn $20.04/hr while Dalton hygienists earn $18.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to Dalton as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and Dalton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $45,342, Dalton = $43,334), job availability (240 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Augusta vs Dalton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $35,171 in Augusta and $31,441 in Dalton. The Augusta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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