Phlebotomist Pay

Norwalk vs Waterbury: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Norwalk, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Norwalk, CT
$49,363
$23.73/hr
Waterbury, CT
$49,664
$23.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNorwalk, CTWaterbury, CT
Median Salary$49,363$49,664
Hourly Rate$23.73$23.88
Entry Level (P10)$37,618$42,653
25th Percentile$40,275$45,317
75th Percentile$54,759$51,785
Top Earner (P90)$65,861$57,929
Total Employed21260
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Norwalk ($49,363) and Waterbury ($49,664) phlebotomist salaries.NorwalkWaterburyMedian Salary$49,363$49,664Entry Level (P10)$37,618$42,653Top Earner (P90)$65,861$57,929US Median $47,261

Verdict

Waterbury, CT offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Norwalk.

The salary gap between Norwalk and Waterbury is $301 (0.61%). Waterbury's median is +5.08% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norwalk spans $28,243,Waterbury spans $15,276. Norwalk has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Norwalk
P10 (Entry)$37,618
P25$40,275
Median$49,363
P75$54,759
P90 (Top)$65,861
Waterbury
P10 (Entry)$42,653
P25$45,317
Median$49,664
P75$51,785
P90 (Top)$57,929

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterbury ($49,774 effective) pays 8.80% more than Norwalk ($45,749 effective).

Norwalk
Nominal: $49,363
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $45,749
Waterbury
Nominal: $49,664
CoL Index: 99.778
Adjusted: $49,774

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Norwalk if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($65,861)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Waterbury if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,664/year)
  • Larger job market (260 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,774)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Norwalk grew -0.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in Waterbury over the same period.

Norwalk, CT

+-0.0%

$47,248 (2024) → $47,242 (2025)

Waterbury, CT

+0.1%

$47,480 (2022) → $47,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Norwalk or Waterbury?

Waterbury has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $49,664/year, compared to Norwalk at $49,363/year — a difference of $301 (0.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Norwalk and Waterbury?

Norwalk phlebotomists earn $23.73/hr while Waterbury hygienists earn $23.88/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Norwalk to Waterbury as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Norwalk and Waterbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Norwalk = $45,749, Waterbury = $49,774), job availability (21 vs 260 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Norwalk vs Waterbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $37,618 in Norwalk and $42,653 in Waterbury. The Waterbury 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