Lincoln vs Papillion: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Lincoln, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Papillion, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,845▲ | $40,224 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.64▲ | $19.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,530▲ | $35,004 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,787▲ | $35,704 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,334▲ | $42,498 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,385▲ | $49,359 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Papillion.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Papillion is $621 (1.54%). Lincoln's median is -13.58% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $13,855,Papillion spans $14,355. Papillion has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced phlebotomists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($44,600 effective) pays 1.45% more than Papillion ($43,961 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,845/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,385)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,600)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Papillion if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Lincoln grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Papillion over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$30,170 (2019) → $39,090 (2025)
Papillion, NE
$34,045 (2024) → $38,496 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Papillion, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Lincoln or Papillion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Papillion?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Papillion as a phlebotomist?
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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