Decatur vs Rockford: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Decatur, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,863▲ | $46,059 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.97▲ | $22.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,191 | $38,787▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,096▲ | $40,009 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,030▲ | $49,319 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,548▲ | $50,437 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Decatur, IL offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Decatur and Rockford is $3,804 (8.26%). Decatur's median is +5.51% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $14,357,Rockford spans $11,650. Decatur 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, Decatur ($56,392 effective) pays 12.83% more than Rockford ($49,980 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,863/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,548)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,392)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Decatur grew 77.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Decatur, IL
$26,890 (2019) → $47,720 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$32,400 (2019) → $44,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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