Phlebotomist Salary in Akron, OH: $42,517 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time phlebotomist in Akron, OH earns a median $42,517/year (≈ $20.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Once you factor in Akron's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $45,536 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Phlebotomists in Akron, Ohio, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $42,517 in 2026, which is below the national median of $47,261. This reflects a competitive but varied pay structure within the region. The salary range for phlebotomists here spans from $38,881 at the 10th percentile to $49,978 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the disparity in wages based on different employment settings. Positions in plasma donation centers typically offer higher starting wages compared to hospital roles, often falling between $20 to $25 an hour. Such differences in pay are significant as healthcare facilities in Akron balance their budgets while striving to attract skilled professionals, resulting in a dynamic job market for phlebotomists.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,881 | $18.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,497 | $18.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,517 | $20.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,003 | $23.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,978 | $24.03 |
Median Salary Position
10.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
In Akron, OH, the phlebotomist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,097 (2026 est.). At $42,517, the local median is 10.04% below the national median of $47,261.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Akron: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Akron Phlebotomist Pay Compares
Akron median: $42,517/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Akron Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $41,561 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $47,261 | -10.04% less |
Phlebotomists in Akron, OH earn a median of $42,517 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $47,261 and 2.30% above the Ohio state average of $41,561.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Akron has a cost of living 6.63% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Akron, OH has a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average of 100). A phlebotomist earning $42,517 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,536 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,350
2025 BLS Actual
$40,690
2026 Current Est.
$42,517
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,517 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,426 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Akron metropolitan area, the median phlebotomist salary grew 18.5% from $34,350 (2019) to $40,690 (2025). At a 4.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,426 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,076 (29.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,881 – $39,497 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,497 – $42,517 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,517 – $48,003 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,003 – $49,978 |
PBT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual phlebotomist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Phlebotomist Job Market in Akron
There are currently about 190 phlebotomists employed in Akron, providing a favorable local job market for those entering the field. With a cost of living index at 93.37, Akron offers a more affordable living situation, allowing phlebotomists to stretch their earnings further compared to areas where the cost of living exceeds the national average. Employers such as plasma donation centers like Grifols and CSL Plasma typically offer some of the highest wages, followed by reference labs and hospital positions. Factors influencing the pay gradient include the nature of the work environment, shift differentials for early draws, and the challenges of specific roles, such as pediatrics. To maximize earning potential in Akron, phlebotomists should consider obtaining additional certifications like those from the ASCP or NHA, or specializing in high-demand areas, enhancing their value in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $40,690 for phlebotomistsin the Akron metropolitan area. A 4.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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