Phlebotomist Pay

Chicago vs Cicero: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Chicago, IL and Cicero, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chicago, IL
$49,309
$23.71/hr
Cicero, IL
$44,552
$21.42/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILCicero, IL
Median Salary$49,309$44,552
Hourly Rate$23.71$21.42
Entry Level (P10)$39,863$35,601
25th Percentile$44,022$37,552
75th Percentile$55,233$47,917
Top Earner (P90)$58,723$57,105
Total Employed5,31021
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($49,309) and Cicero ($44,552) phlebotomist salaries.ChicagoCiceroMedian Salary$49,309$44,552Entry Level (P10)$39,863$35,601Top Earner (P90)$58,723$57,105US Median $47,261

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cicero.

The salary gap between Chicago and Cicero is $4,757 (10.68%). Chicago's median is +4.33% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $18,860,Cicero spans $21,504. Cicero has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced phlebotomists.

Chicago
P10 (Entry)$39,863
P25$44,022
Median$49,309
P75$55,233
P90 (Top)$58,723
Cicero
P10 (Entry)$35,601
P25$37,552
Median$44,552
P75$47,917
P90 (Top)$57,105

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($47,598 effective) pays 3.74% more than Cicero ($45,883 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $49,309
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $47,598
Cicero
Nominal: $44,552
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $45,883

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,309/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($58,723)
  • Larger job market (5,310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,598)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Cicero if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Chicago grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.0% growth in Cicero over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+31.7%

$35,820 (2019) → $47,190 (2025)

Cicero, IL

+8.0%

$39,475 (2024) → $42,638 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Chicago or Cicero?

Chicago has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $49,309/year, compared to Cicero at $44,552/year — a difference of $4,757 (10.68%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Cicero?

Chicago phlebotomists earn $23.71/hr while Cicero hygienists earn $21.42/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chicago to Cicero as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Cicero. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $47,598, Cicero = $45,883), job availability (5,310 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Chicago vs Cicero?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $39,863 in Chicago and $35,601 in Cicero. The Chicago 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