Phlebotomist Pay

Roanoke vs Waynesboro: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

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

Roanoke, VA
$48,462
$23.30/hr
Waynesboro, VA
$42,041
$20.21/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRoanoke, VAWaynesboro, VA
Median Salary$48,462$42,041
Hourly Rate$23.30$20.21
Entry Level (P10)$39,424$34,472
25th Percentile$39,424$35,661
75th Percentile$49,048$43,035
Top Earner (P90)$49,466$53,156
Total Employed1904
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Roanoke ($48,462) and Waynesboro ($42,041) phlebotomist salaries.RoanokeWaynesboroMedian Salary$48,462$42,041Entry Level (P10)$39,424$34,472Top Earner (P90)$49,466$53,156US Median $47,261

Verdict

Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.

The salary gap between Roanoke and Waynesboro is $6,421 (15.27%). Roanoke's median is +2.54% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $10,042,Waynesboro spans $18,684. Waynesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced phlebotomists.

Roanoke
P10 (Entry)$39,424
P25$39,424
Median$48,462
P75$49,048
P90 (Top)$49,466
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, Roanoke ($51,766 effective) pays 27.07% more than Waynesboro ($40,737 effective).

Roanoke
Nominal: $48,462
CoL Index: 93.618
Adjusted: $51,766
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 Roanoke if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,462/year)
  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,766)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Waynesboro if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($53,156)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Roanoke grew 34.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.

Roanoke, VA

+34.7%

$34,430 (2019) → $46,380 (2025)

Waynesboro, VA

+2.6%

$39,218 (2024) → $40,234 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Roanoke or Waynesboro?

Roanoke has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $48,462/year, compared to Waynesboro at $42,041/year — a difference of $6,421 (15.27%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Waynesboro?

Roanoke phlebotomists earn $23.30/hr while Waynesboro hygienists earn $20.21/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Roanoke to Waynesboro as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Roanoke and Waynesboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Roanoke = $51,766, Waynesboro = $40,737), job availability (190 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $39,424 in Roanoke and $34,472 in Waynesboro. The Roanoke 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