Phlebotomist Pay

Kansas City vs Topeka: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Kansas City, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kansas City, KS
$48,486
$23.31/hr
Topeka, KS
$48,452
$23.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKansas City, KSTopeka, KS
Median Salary$48,486$48,452
Hourly Rate$23.31$23.29
Entry Level (P10)$36,359$40,009
25th Percentile$39,234$40,009
75th Percentile$52,483$49,633
Top Earner (P90)$63,082$51,148
Total Employed25170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kansas City ($48,486) and Topeka ($48,452) phlebotomist salaries.Kansas CityTopekaMedian Salary$48,486$48,452Entry Level (P10)$36,359$40,009Top Earner (P90)$63,082$51,148US Median $47,261

Verdict

Kansas City, KS offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.

The salary gap between Kansas City and Topeka is $34 (0.07%). Kansas City's median is +2.59% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $26,723,Topeka spans $11,139. Kansas City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kansas City
P10 (Entry)$36,359
P25$39,234
Median$48,486
P75$52,483
P90 (Top)$63,082
Topeka
P10 (Entry)$40,009
P25$40,009
Median$48,452
P75$49,633
P90 (Top)$51,148

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($54,551 effective) pays 2.27% more than Kansas City ($53,340 effective).

Kansas City
Nominal: $48,486
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $53,340
Topeka
Nominal: $48,452
CoL Index: 88.82
Adjusted: $54,551

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kansas City if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,486/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($63,082)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Topeka if…

  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,551)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Kansas City grew 32.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.8% growth in Topeka over the same period.

Kansas City, KS

+32.2%

$35,109 (2024) → $46,403 (2025)

Topeka, KS

+37.8%

$33,650 (2019) → $46,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Kansas City or Topeka?

Kansas City has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $48,486/year, compared to Topeka at $48,452/year — a difference of $34 (0.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Topeka?

Kansas City phlebotomists earn $23.31/hr while Topeka hygienists earn $23.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kansas City to Topeka as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kansas City and Topeka. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kansas City = $53,340, Topeka = $54,551), job availability (25 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Kansas City vs Topeka?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $36,359 in Kansas City and $40,009 in Topeka. The Topeka area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Thompson, PBT(ASCP)Data verified by Maria Garcia, CPT

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