Cleveland vs Delaware: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Delaware, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Delaware, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,535▲ | $41,031 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.97▲ | $19.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,999▲ | $33,145 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,459▲ | $36,218 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,215▲ | $43,055 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,824▲ | $50,141 |
| Total Employed | 980▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Delaware.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Delaware is $504 (1.23%). Cleveland's median is -12.12% 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,Delaware spans $16,996. Delaware 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, Delaware ($45,238 effective) pays 2.30% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,535/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,824)
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Delaware if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,238)
- ✓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 15.4% growth in Delaware over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$37,230 (2019) → $39,750 (2025)
Delaware, OH
$34,035 (2024) → $39,268 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Delaware, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Cleveland or Delaware?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Delaware?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Delaware as a phlebotomist?
What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Cleveland vs Delaware?
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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