Cleveland vs Lima: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Lima, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Lima, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,535▲ | $38,891 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.97▲ | $18.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,999▲ | $37,470 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,459▲ | $37,658 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,215▲ | $45,882 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,824▲ | $47,052 |
| Total Employed | 980▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lima.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Lima is $2,644 (6.80%). 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,Lima spans $9,582. Cleveland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($44,222 effective) pays 1.96% more than Lima ($43,372 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,222)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lima if…
- ✓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 19.2% growth in Lima over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$37,230 (2019) → $39,750 (2025)
Lima, OH
$31,230 (2019) → $37,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Cleveland or Lima?
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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