Phlebotomist Pay

Richmond vs Waynesboro: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Richmond, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Richmond, VA
$48,452
$23.29/hr
Waynesboro, VA
$42,041
$20.21/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRichmond, VAWaynesboro, VA
Median Salary$48,452$42,041
Hourly Rate$23.29$20.21
Entry Level (P10)$40,020$34,472
25th Percentile$41,085$35,661
75th Percentile$51,211$43,035
Top Earner (P90)$59,664$53,156
Total Employed6404
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Richmond ($48,452) and Waynesboro ($42,041) phlebotomist salaries.RichmondWaynesboroMedian Salary$48,452$42,041Entry Level (P10)$40,020$34,472Top Earner (P90)$59,664$53,156US Median $47,261

Verdict

Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.

The salary gap between Richmond and Waynesboro is $6,411 (15.25%). Richmond's median is +2.52% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $19,644,Waynesboro spans $18,684. Richmond has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Richmond
P10 (Entry)$40,020
P25$41,085
Median$48,452
P75$51,211
P90 (Top)$59,664
Waynesboro
P10 (Entry)$34,472
P25$35,661
Median$42,041
P75$43,035
P90 (Top)$53,156

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($49,513 effective) pays 21.54% more than Waynesboro ($40,737 effective).

Richmond
Nominal: $48,452
CoL Index: 97.858
Adjusted: $49,513
Waynesboro
Nominal: $42,041
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $40,737

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Richmond if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,452/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,664)
  • Larger job market (640 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,513)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Waynesboro if…

  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Richmond grew 19.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.

Richmond, VA

+19.9%

$38,670 (2019) → $46,370 (2025)

Waynesboro, VA

+2.6%

$39,218 (2024) → $40,234 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Richmond or Waynesboro?

Richmond has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $48,452/year, compared to Waynesboro at $42,041/year — a difference of $6,411 (15.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Waynesboro?

Richmond phlebotomists earn $23.29/hr while Waynesboro hygienists earn $20.21/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Richmond to Waynesboro as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Richmond and Waynesboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Richmond = $49,513, Waynesboro = $40,737), job availability (640 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Richmond vs Waynesboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $40,020 in Richmond and $34,472 in Waynesboro. The Richmond 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