Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,996 | $39,226▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.75 | $18.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,763▲ | $36,634 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,763 | $38,473▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,540 | $46,947▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,491 | $54,126▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 80 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City is $230 (0.59%). Iowa City's median is -17.00% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $9,728,Iowa City spans $17,492. Iowa City 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, Cedar Rapids ($43,834 effective) pays 2.26% more than Iowa City ($42,866 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,834)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,226/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,126)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$30,570 (2019) → $37,320 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$31,060 (2019) → $37,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Cedar Rapids or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City as a phlebotomist?
What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City?
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