Phlebotomist Pay

Lexington vs Radcliff: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Lexington, KY and Radcliff, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lexington, KY
$45,589
$21.92/hr
Radcliff, KY
$38,603
$18.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLexington, KYRadcliff, KY
Median Salary$45,589$38,603
Hourly Rate$21.92$18.56
Entry Level (P10)$39,069$32,363
25th Percentile$41,200$33,231
75th Percentile$48,995$40,821
Top Earner (P90)$55,787$47,242
Total Employed3304
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lexington ($45,589) and Radcliff ($38,603) phlebotomist salaries.LexingtonRadcliffMedian Salary$45,589$38,603Entry Level (P10)$39,069$32,363Top Earner (P90)$55,787$47,242US Median $47,261

Verdict

Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Radcliff.

The salary gap between Lexington and Radcliff is $6,986 (18.10%). Lexington's median is -3.54% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $16,718,Radcliff spans $14,879. Lexington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lexington
P10 (Entry)$39,069
P25$41,200
Median$45,589
P75$48,995
P90 (Top)$55,787
Radcliff
P10 (Entry)$32,363
P25$33,231
Median$38,603
P75$40,821
P90 (Top)$47,242

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($49,079 effective) pays 13.53% more than Radcliff ($43,228 effective).

Lexington
Nominal: $45,589
CoL Index: 92.889
Adjusted: $49,079
Radcliff
Nominal: $38,603
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $43,228

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lexington if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,589/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($55,787)
  • Larger job market (330 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,079)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Radcliff if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Lexington grew 42.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Radcliff over the same period.

Lexington, KY

+42.6%

$30,590 (2019) → $43,630 (2025)

Radcliff, KY

+16.5%

$31,706 (2024) → $36,944 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Lexington or Radcliff?

Lexington has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $45,589/year, compared to Radcliff at $38,603/year — a difference of $6,986 (18.10%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Radcliff?

Lexington phlebotomists earn $21.92/hr while Radcliff hygienists earn $18.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lexington to Radcliff as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lexington and Radcliff. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lexington = $49,079, Radcliff = $43,228), job availability (330 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Lexington vs Radcliff?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $39,069 in Lexington and $32,363 in Radcliff. The Lexington 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