Phlebotomist Pay

Benton vs Jonesboro: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Benton, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Benton, AR
$40,235
$19.34/hr
Jonesboro, AR
$37,115
$17.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBenton, ARJonesboro, AR
Median Salary$40,235$37,115
Hourly Rate$19.34$17.85
Entry Level (P10)$31,796$32,716
25th Percentile$33,562$33,040
75th Percentile$42,642$38,734
Top Earner (P90)$50,061$45,108
Total Employed570
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Benton ($40,235) and Jonesboro ($37,115) phlebotomist salaries.BentonJonesboroMedian Salary$40,235$37,115Entry Level (P10)$31,796$32,716Top Earner (P90)$50,061$45,108US Median $47,261

Verdict

Benton, AR offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.

The salary gap between Benton and Jonesboro is $3,120 (8.41%). Benton's median is -14.87% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $18,265,Jonesboro spans $12,392. Benton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Benton
P10 (Entry)$31,796
P25$33,562
Median$40,235
P75$42,642
P90 (Top)$50,061
Jonesboro
P10 (Entry)$32,716
P25$33,040
Median$37,115
P75$38,734
P90 (Top)$45,108

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Benton ($46,300 effective) pays 7.13% more than Jonesboro ($43,219 effective).

Benton
Nominal: $40,235
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $46,300
Jonesboro
Nominal: $37,115
CoL Index: 85.876
Adjusted: $43,219

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Benton if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,235/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($50,061)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,300)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Jonesboro if…

  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Benton grew 37.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.

Benton, AR

+37.1%

$28,094 (2024) → $38,506 (2025)

Jonesboro, AR

+19.8%

$29,660 (2019) → $35,520 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Benton or Jonesboro?

Benton has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $40,235/year, compared to Jonesboro at $37,115/year — a difference of $3,120 (8.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Jonesboro?

Benton phlebotomists earn $19.34/hr while Jonesboro hygienists earn $17.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Benton to Jonesboro as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Benton and Jonesboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Benton = $46,300, Jonesboro = $43,219), job availability (5 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Benton vs Jonesboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $31,796 in Benton and $32,716 in Jonesboro. The Jonesboro 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