Chicago vs Gurnee: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Chicago, IL and Gurnee, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Gurnee, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,309▲ | $45,359 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.71▲ | $21.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,863▲ | $36,486 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,022▲ | $38,168 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,233▲ | $47,417 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,723▲ | $55,360 |
| Total Employed | 5,310▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gurnee.
The salary gap between Chicago and Gurnee is $3,950 (8.71%). 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,Gurnee spans $18,874. Gurnee 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, Chicago ($47,598 effective) pays 1.89% more than Gurnee ($46,714 effective).
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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$35,820 (2019) → $47,190 (2025)
Gurnee, IL
$40,190 (2024) → $43,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Gurnee, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Chicago or Gurnee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Gurnee?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Gurnee as a phlebotomist?
What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Chicago vs Gurnee?
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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