Phlebotomist Pay

Austin vs Duluth: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Austin, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, MN
$43,772
$21.04/hr
Duluth, MN
$42,036
$20.21/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, MNDuluth, MN
Median Salary$43,772$42,036
Hourly Rate$21.04$20.21
Entry Level (P10)$34,366$36,760
25th Percentile$36,346$38,546
75th Percentile$46,230$49,424
Top Earner (P90)$54,197$52,590
Total Employed4120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($43,772) and Duluth ($42,036) phlebotomist salaries.AustinDuluthMedian Salary$43,772$42,036Entry Level (P10)$34,366$36,760Top Earner (P90)$54,197$52,590US Median $47,261

Verdict

Austin, MN offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.

The salary gap between Austin and Duluth is $1,736 (4.13%). Austin's median is -7.38% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $19,831,Duluth spans $15,830. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$34,366
P25$36,346
Median$43,772
P75$46,230
P90 (Top)$54,197
Duluth
P10 (Entry)$36,760
P25$38,546
Median$42,036
P75$49,424
P90 (Top)$52,590

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($47,355 effective) pays 6.56% more than Austin ($44,439 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $43,772
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $44,439
Duluth
Nominal: $42,036
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $47,355

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($43,772/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($54,197)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Duluth if…

  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,355)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Austin grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Duluth over the same period.

Austin, MN

+-2.2%

$42,855 (2024) → $41,891 (2025)

Duluth, MN

+19.7%

$33,600 (2019) → $40,230 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Austin or Duluth?

Austin has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $43,772/year, compared to Duluth at $42,036/year — a difference of $1,736 (4.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Duluth?

Austin phlebotomists earn $21.04/hr while Duluth hygienists earn $20.21/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Duluth as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Duluth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $44,439, Duluth = $47,355), job availability (4 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Austin vs Duluth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $34,366 in Austin and $36,760 in Duluth. The Duluth 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