Brea vs Los Angeles: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Brea, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brea, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,098 | $55,317▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.53 | $26.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,720 | $47,533▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,467 | $49,748▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,454 | $65,599▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,804 | $75,390▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 4,720▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brea.
The salary gap between Brea and Los Angeles is $2,219 (4.18%). Los Angeles's median is +17.05% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brea spans $24,084,Los Angeles spans $27,857. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced phlebotomists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($48,709 effective) pays 3.75% more than Brea ($46,948 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brea if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,317/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,390)
- ✓Larger job market (4,720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,709)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Brea grew -8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Brea, CA
$55,799 (2024) → $50,816 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$40,680 (2019) → $52,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Brea or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brea and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Brea to Los Angeles as a phlebotomist?
What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Brea vs Los Angeles?
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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.
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