Phlebotomist Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $19.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a phlebotomist working in Lincoln, NE runs $19.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,845 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,516 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Lincoln, NE, phlebotomists earn a median hourly rate of $19.64, which is notably lower than the national median of $22.72. This difference in pay can significantly impact those working part-time or per-diem, particularly given the various environments they operate in, including hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile draws. For a three-day workweek, phlebotomists can expect to make around $628 per week, which offers them some flexibility while still bringing in a substantial income for those balancing multiple commitments. Meanwhile, entry-level phlebotomists typically start at $17.56 an hour, with more experienced professionals and top earners reaching up to $24.23 per hour, providing a clear path for career progression in this field. The data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected to 2026, highlights the urban dynamics of wages and employment trends in the region.
Phlebotomist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.56 | $140.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.65 | $149.21 |
| Median (P50) | $19.64 | $157.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.76 | $182.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.23 | $193.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $19.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.64/hr, a phlebotomist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $40,860 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,573. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $785.76 | $3,405 | $40,860 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $471.46 | $2,043 | $24,516 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $314.31 | $1,362 | $16,344 |
Compare PBT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Phlebotomist (Lincoln) | $19.64 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $40,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% lower than the national median of $47,261 and 5.50% below the Nebraska state average of $43,222.
Phlebotomist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.64/hr = $24,516/year (purchasing power: $26,770).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,860/year (purchasing power: $44,616).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for phlebotomists in Lincoln grew 29.6% from $14.51/hr (2019) to $18.80/hr (2025). At a 4.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.53/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
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When considering the earning potential for part-time phlebotomists in Lincoln, working three days a week could mean an annual income of over $32,600, which can be quite appealing for those seeking to supplement their income or maintain work-life balance. For those engaged in per diem roles, the pay can be even more lucrative; per-diem phlebotomists typically bill between $20 and $30 an hour, while mobile contractors may command rates from $25 to $45 per draw. Moreover, plasma donation centers often provide financial incentives that can result in a monthly bonus of $200 to $500, further enhancing compensation. Hourly rates may vary based on the setting, with phlebotomists in hospitals generally earning less compared to those in plasma donation facilities or outpatient labs; however, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits of health insurance and job stability against the higher pay of less-secure positions. Effective negotiation could enable Lincoln phlebotomists to ask for better hourly rates or additional perks, especially in a growing industry characterized by increased demand due to aging populations and expanded plasma donation services.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for phlebotomists in Lincoln in 2026?
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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 Lincoln. 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