Houston vs Waco: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Houston, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,585▲ | $44,346 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.87▲ | $21.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,491▲ | $33,531 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,006▲ | $38,003 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,197▲ | $47,522 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,149▲ | $50,270 |
| Total Employed | 2,620▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between Houston and Waco is $3,239 (7.30%). Houston's median is +0.69% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $20,658,Waco spans $16,739. Houston 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, Houston ($48,246 effective) pays 0.69% more than Waco ($47,916 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,585/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,149)
- ✓Larger job market (2,620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,246)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Waco if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Houston grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in Waco over the same period.
Houston, TX
$35,120 (2019) → $45,540 (2025)
Waco, TX
$31,510 (2019) → $42,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
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