Phlebotomist Pay

Middleton vs Milwaukee: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Middleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Middleton, WI
$44,733
$21.50/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$49,110
$23.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMiddleton, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$44,733$49,110
Hourly Rate$21.50$23.61
Entry Level (P10)$38,471$40,302
25th Percentile$39,240$46,059
75th Percentile$47,899$50,897
Top Earner (P90)$55,921$55,651
Total Employed6990
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Middleton ($44,733) and Milwaukee ($49,110) phlebotomist salaries.MiddletonMilwaukeeMedian Salary$44,733$49,110Entry Level (P10)$38,471$40,302Top Earner (P90)$55,921$55,651US Median $47,261

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Middleton.

The salary gap between Middleton and Milwaukee is $4,377 (9.78%). Milwaukee's median is +3.91% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middleton spans $17,450,Milwaukee spans $15,349. Middleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Middleton
P10 (Entry)$38,471
P25$39,240
Median$44,733
P75$47,899
P90 (Top)$55,921
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$40,302
P25$46,059
Median$49,110
P75$50,897
P90 (Top)$55,651

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($50,662 effective) pays 5.78% more than Middleton ($47,894 effective).

Middleton
Nominal: $44,733
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $47,894
Milwaukee
Nominal: $49,110
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $50,662

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Middleton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($55,921)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,110/year)
  • Larger job market (990 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,662)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Middleton grew 23.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Middleton, WI

+23.9%

$34,541 (2024) → $42,811 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+27.3%

$36,930 (2019) → $47,000 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Middleton or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $49,110/year, compared to Middleton at $44,733/year — a difference of $4,377 (9.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Middleton and Milwaukee?

Middleton phlebotomists earn $21.50/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $23.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Middleton to Milwaukee as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Middleton and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Middleton = $47,894, Milwaukee = $50,662), job availability (6 vs 990 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Middleton vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $38,471 in Middleton and $40,302 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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