Phlebotomist Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $26.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a phlebotomist working in Tustin, CA runs $26.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,908 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,540 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tustin, California, the phlebotomist hourly pay stands at an attractive $26.87, significantly exceeding the national median of $22.72. This competitive wage reflects the demand for skilled phlebotomists in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient service centers, and plasma donation facilities. For part-time workers contributing three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a healthy income, which is particularly advantageous for those engaged in per-diem roles or mobile phlebotomy services. Entry-level phlebotomists in Tustin typically start around $20.56 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $34.43, incentivizing career growth within the profession. With the state of California requiring certification for phlebotomy technicians, the investment in training may yield substantial returns in hourly wages.
About the Tustin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Phlebotomist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.56 | $164.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.06 | $176.46 |
| Median (P50) | $26.87 | $215.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.89 | $231.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.43 | $275.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $26.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.87/hr, a phlebotomist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $55,900 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,250. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,074.99 | $4,658 | $55,900 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.00 | $2,795 | $33,540 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.00 | $1,863 | $22,360 |
Compare PBT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Phlebotomist (Tustin) | $26.87 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Phlebotomists in Tustin, CA earn a median of $55,908 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.30% higher than the national median of $47,261 and 0.10% below the California state average of $55,964.
Phlebotomist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.87/hr = $33,540/year (purchasing power: $29,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,900/year (purchasing power: $49,425).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for phlebotomists in Tustin grew 27.4% from $20.19/hr (2019) to $25.72/hr (2025). At a 4.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.08/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem phlebotomists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tustin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.49% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Phlebotomist in Tustin
For those considering a part-time position, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of approximately $33,500, presenting an attractive option for individuals balancing multiple responsibilities. Per-diem phlebotomists often earn between $20 and $30 per hour, whereas mobile contractors can charge $25 to $45 per draw, illustrating the varied earning potential available in Tustin. Other avenues, such as roles in plasma donation centers, frequently offer additional bonuses that enhance monthly earnings, further boosting the hourly rate substantially. Employers in this region—including hospitals, outpatient labs like Quest and LabCorp, and mobile services—often provide distinct benefits. While higher hourly rates may come with fewer benefits in certain positions, professionals must carefully weigh these factors when negotiating their compensation. Understanding these dynamics can help phlebotomists in Tustin effectively advocate for fair pay, considering the competitive and evolving nature of the healthcare industry.
More salary data for Tustin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for phlebotomists in Tustin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tustin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.49%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for phlebotomists (SOC 31-9097).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MLT, a licensed phlebotomist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov