Cleburne vs Houston: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Cleburne, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleburne, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,392 | $47,585▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.45 | $22.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,403 | $37,491▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,721 | $39,006▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,378 | $50,197▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,757 | $58,149▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 2,620▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleburne.
The salary gap between Cleburne and Houston is $9,193 (23.95%). Houston's median is +0.69% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleburne spans $17,354,Houston spans $20,658. Houston 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, Houston ($48,246 effective) pays 20.64% more than Cleburne ($39,992 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleburne if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,585/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,149)
- ✓Larger job market (2,620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,246)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Cleburne grew -3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Houston over the same period.
Cleburne, TX
$38,173 (2024) → $36,742 (2025)
Houston, TX
$35,120 (2019) → $45,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleburne, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Cleburne or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleburne and Houston?
Should I relocate from Cleburne to Houston as a phlebotomist?
What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Cleburne vs Houston?
Related Comparisons
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