Dayton vs Lakewood: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Dayton, OH and Lakewood, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dayton, OH | Lakewood, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,057▲ | $41,340 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.22▲ | $19.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,058▲ | $31,531 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,309▲ | $33,717 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,274▲ | $44,240 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,406 | $55,243▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Dayton, OH offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Dayton and Lakewood is $717 (1.73%). 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 Dayton spans $11,348,Lakewood spans $23,712. Lakewood 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, Lakewood ($45,579 effective) pays 0.46% more than Dayton ($45,372 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,057/year)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,243)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,579)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Dayton grew 14.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Dayton, OH
$35,090 (2019) → $40,250 (2025)
Lakewood, OH
$34,292 (2024) → $39,564 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dayton, OH
Lakewood, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Dayton or Lakewood?
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Should I relocate from Dayton to Lakewood as a phlebotomist?
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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