Cleveland vs Dayton: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,535 | $42,057▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.97 | $20.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,999▲ | $39,058 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,459▲ | $39,309 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,215▲ | $48,274 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,824▲ | $50,406 |
| Total Employed | 980▲ | 750 |
Verdict
Cleveland and Dayton are closely matched on overall phlebotomist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $522 (1.26%). Dayton's median is -11.01% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $10,825,Dayton spans $11,348. Dayton 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, Dayton ($45,372 effective) pays 2.60% more than Cleveland ($44,222 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,824)
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,057/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,372)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Cleveland grew 6.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$37,230 (2019) → $39,750 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$35,090 (2019) → $40,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a phlebotomist?
What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Cleveland vs Dayton?
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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