Phlebotomist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $23.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a phlebotomist working in Chicago, IL runs $23.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,309 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,589 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, the phlebotomist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $23.71 in 2026, which is notably above the national median of $22.72. This rate provides various employment opportunities for part-time and per-diem phlebotomists, allowing them to thrive in settings like hospitals, outpatient service centers, and plasma donation facilities. For part-time workers clocking in at three days a week, this hourly wage translates to approximately $1,008 a week, or about $52,416 annually if they maintain consistent shifts. The hourly range for phlebotomists in Chicago spans from $19.16 for entry-level positions to $28.23 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse skill sets and responsibilities in environments ranging from blood donation centers to corporate wellness events. Such figures come from the official BLS estimates based on 2025 data, projected for 2026.
Phlebotomist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.16 | $153.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.17 | $169.36 |
| Median (P50) | $23.71 | $189.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.56 | $212.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.23 | $225.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $23.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.71/hr, a phlebotomist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $49,314 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,451. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $948.35 | $4,110 | $49,314 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.01 | $2,466 | $29,589 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.34 | $1,644 | $19,726 |
Compare PBT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Phlebotomist (Chicago) | $23.71 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $49,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.33% higher than the national median of $47,261 and 7.10% above the Illinois state average of $46,040.
Phlebotomist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.71/hr = $29,589/year (purchasing power: $28,562).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,314/year (purchasing power: $47,603).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for phlebotomists in Chicago grew 31.8% from $17.22/hr (2019) to $22.69/hr (2025). At a 4.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.77/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Beyond the basic hourly rate, many phlebotomists emphasize the flexibility offered by per-diem roles. A phlebotomist working part-time for 24 hours a week could gross around $25,000 annually, significantly lower than their full-time peers, but with the benefit of varied engagements. Per diem phlebotomy positions commonly offer pay between $20 and $30 an hour, while mobile contractors can earn even more, attracting workers to these potentially lucrative roles. Notably, plasma donation centers may provide bonuses ranging from $200 to $500 monthly, further increasing earnings. Differences in pay also arise across employer types in Chicago, with hospitals typically offering different benefits compared to outpatient labs or mobile services. While higher hourly wages might come without health insurance, some phlebotomists opt for more secure positions with a lower pay rate for the benefits. When negotiating pay, understanding the unique hiring climates of facilities in the region can empower hourly workers to secure the most favorable contracts.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
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 Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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