Iowa City vs Ottumwa: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Iowa City, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,226▲ | $36,442 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.86▲ | $17.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,634▲ | $31,727 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,473▲ | $32,363 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,947▲ | $38,512 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,126▲ | $44,734 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Iowa City and Ottumwa is $2,784 (7.64%). Iowa City's median is -17.00% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $17,492,Ottumwa spans $13,007. Iowa City 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, Iowa City ($42,866 effective) pays 6.34% more than Ottumwa ($40,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,226/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,126)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,866)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Ottumwa if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Iowa City grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Ottumwa over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$31,060 (2019) → $37,540 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$33,644 (2024) → $34,876 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Iowa City or Ottumwa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and Ottumwa?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to Ottumwa as a phlebotomist?
What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Iowa City vs Ottumwa?
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