Phlebotomist Hourly Pay in Chattanooga, TN: $18.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a phlebotomist working in Chattanooga, TN runs $18.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Weighted against Chattanooga's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,420 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, Tennessee, phlebotomists earn a median hourly rate of $18.77, which falls below the national median of $22.72. This discrepancy highlights the local market dynamics, where part-time and per-diem phlebotomists often find themselves earning less than their national counterparts. Those working three days a week, typically covering 24 hours, can expect to take home a consistent paycheck while performing draws in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient centers, and even mobile wellness events. For entry-level professionals, wages may start around $17.41 per hour, while top earners can reach $23.69 per hour, according to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data.
Phlebotomist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.41 | $139.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.18 | $145.45 |
| Median (P50) | $18.77 | $150.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.16 | $177.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.69 | $189.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chattanooga
Based on $18.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.77/hr, a phlebotomist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chattanooga, TN can expect to earn approximately $39,034 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,520. With a cost-of-living index of 91.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chattanooga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chattanooga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $750.66 | $3,253 | $39,034 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $450.39 | $1,952 | $23,420 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.26 | $1,301 | $15,614 |
Compare PBT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Phlebotomist (Chattanooga) | $18.77 |
| 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 Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $39,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.42% lower than the national median of $47,261 and 1.40% below the Tennessee state average of $39,581.
Phlebotomist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.77/hr = $23,420/year (purchasing power: $25,606).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,034/year (purchasing power: $42,677).
CoL index: 91.464 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for phlebotomists in Chattanooga grew 22.8% from $14.62/hr (2019) to $17.96/hr (2025). At a 4.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.61/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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
For part-time phlebotomists, committing to a 24-hour workweek translates into an annual take-home pay significantly less than what a full-time employee might earn. In addition, many per diem phlebotomists in Chattanooga are able to command higher hourly rates, often billing between $20 and $30 per hour, with mobile contractors sometimes earning $25 to $45 per draw. The plasma donation industry increasingly offers bonuses, which can add an additional $200 to $500 monthly, appealing to many entry-level candidates. Differences in hourly rates can occur based on the employer type; for instance, plasma donation centers may offer more competitive wages than many hospital positions. Phlebotomists must weigh the benefits of full-time positions with health insurance against the higher hourly options that lack benefits. When negotiating pay, it is advantageous to highlight certifications from recognized organizations like ASCP or NHA, particularly to differentiate oneself in Chattanooga’s evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for phlebotomists in Chattanooga in 2026?
How much do part-time phlebotomists make in Chattanooga?
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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 Chattanooga. 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