Phlebotomist Pay

Lewiston vs Meridian: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Lewiston, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lewiston, ID
$45,808
$22.03/hr
Meridian, ID
$45,208
$21.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLewiston, IDMeridian, ID
Median Salary$45,808$45,208
Hourly Rate$22.03$21.73
Entry Level (P10)$37,104$36,511
25th Percentile$40,312$38,592
75th Percentile$48,640$48,282
Top Earner (P90)$57,261$60,468
Total Employed5030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lewiston ($45,808) and Meridian ($45,208) phlebotomist salaries.LewistonMeridianMedian Salary$45,808$45,208Entry Level (P10)$37,104$36,511Top Earner (P90)$57,261$60,468US Median $47,261

Verdict

Lewiston, ID offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.

The salary gap between Lewiston and Meridian is $600 (1.33%). Lewiston's median is -3.07% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $20,157,Meridian spans $23,957. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced phlebotomists.

Lewiston
P10 (Entry)$37,104
P25$40,312
Median$45,808
P75$48,640
P90 (Top)$57,261
Meridian
P10 (Entry)$36,511
P25$38,592
Median$45,208
P75$48,282
P90 (Top)$60,468

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($50,250 effective) pays 5.93% more than Meridian ($47,438 effective).

Lewiston
Nominal: $45,808
CoL Index: 91.16
Adjusted: $50,250
Meridian
Nominal: $45,208
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $47,438

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lewiston if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,808/year)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,250)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Meridian if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($60,468)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Lewiston grew 24.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Meridian over the same period.

Lewiston, ID

+24.6%

$35,190 (2021) → $43,840 (2025)

Meridian, ID

+13.1%

$38,262 (2024) → $43,265 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Lewiston or Meridian?

Lewiston has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $45,808/year, compared to Meridian at $45,208/year — a difference of $600 (1.33%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Meridian?

Lewiston phlebotomists earn $22.03/hr while Meridian hygienists earn $21.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lewiston to Meridian as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lewiston and Meridian. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lewiston = $50,250, Meridian = $47,438), job availability (50 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Lewiston vs Meridian?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $37,104 in Lewiston and $36,511 in Meridian. The Lewiston 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