Phlebotomist Pay

Boise vs Meridian: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Boise, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boise, ID
$46,685
$22.44/hr
Meridian, ID
$45,208
$21.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoise, IDMeridian, ID
Median Salary$46,685$45,208
Hourly Rate$22.44$21.73
Entry Level (P10)$33,963$36,511
25th Percentile$37,233$38,592
75th Percentile$51,290$48,282
Top Earner (P90)$62,367$60,468
Total Employed6030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boise ($46,685) and Meridian ($45,208) phlebotomist salaries.BoiseMeridianMedian Salary$46,685$45,208Entry Level (P10)$33,963$36,511Top Earner (P90)$62,367$60,468US Median $47,261

Verdict

Boise, ID offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.

The salary gap between Boise and Meridian is $1,477 (3.27%). Boise's median is -1.22% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise spans $28,404,Meridian spans $23,957. Boise has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boise
P10 (Entry)$33,963
P25$37,233
Median$46,685
P75$51,290
P90 (Top)$62,367
Meridian
P10 (Entry)$36,511
P25$38,592
Median$45,208
P75$48,282
P90 (Top)$60,468

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise ($48,987 effective) pays 3.27% more than Meridian ($47,438 effective).

Boise
Nominal: $46,685
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $48,987
Meridian
Nominal: $45,208
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $47,438

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boise if…

  • Higher median salary ($46,685/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($62,367)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,987)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Meridian if…

  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Boise grew 13.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Meridian over the same period.

Boise, ID

+13.1%

$39,513 (2024) → $44,679 (2025)

Meridian, ID

+13.1%

$38,262 (2024) → $43,265 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Boise or Meridian?

Boise has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $46,685/year, compared to Meridian at $45,208/year — a difference of $1,477 (3.27%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boise and Meridian?

Boise phlebotomists earn $22.44/hr while Meridian hygienists earn $21.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boise to Meridian as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boise and Meridian. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boise = $48,987, Meridian = $47,438), job availability (60 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Boise vs Meridian?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $33,963 in Boise and $36,511 in Meridian. The Meridian 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