Phlebotomist Salary in Sumter, SC: $39,098 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time phlebotomist in Sumter, SC earns a median $39,098/year (≈ $18.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Once you factor in Sumter's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $42,730 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, a phlebotomist in Sumter, South Carolina, is projected to earn a median annual salary of $39,098, which is significantly lower than the national median of $47,261. The local salary range spans from $32,471 at the 10th percentile to $50,304 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect a cost of living-adjusted estimate based on 2025 BLS data, indicating that phlebotomist pay in Sumter SC trails the national average by nearly 17.27%. The absence of a California Certified Phlebotomy Technician license premium also plays a part in establishing lower wage benchmarks in this region, impacting both entry-level and experienced professionals. With only eight phlebotomists currently employed in the area, the job market remains competitive yet limited.
About the Sumter Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($37,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,471 | $15.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,654 | $16.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,098 | $18.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,446 | $20.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,304 | $24.19 |
Median Salary Position
17.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sumter
In Sumter, SC, the phlebotomist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,833 (2026 est.). At $39,098, the local median is 17.27% below the national median of $47,261.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sumter: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sumter Phlebotomist Pay Compares
Sumter median: $39,098/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sumter Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $41,069 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $47,261 | -17.27% less |
Phlebotomists in Sumter, SC earn a median of $39,098 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.27% lower than the national median of $47,261 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $41,069.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sumter has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sumter, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A phlebotomist earning $39,098 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,730 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,040
2025 BLS Actual
$37,418
2026 Current Est.
$39,098
2019–2027 Growth
+36.0%
Salary Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,047 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,875 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,418 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,098 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,854 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sumter metropolitan area, the median phlebotomist salary grew 24.6% from $30,040 (2019) to $37,418 (2025). At a 4.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,854 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,814 (36.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sumter 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) | $32,471 – $33,654 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,654 – $39,098 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,098 – $42,446 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,446 – $50,304 |
PBT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual phlebotomist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Phlebotomist Job Market in Sumter
The local job market for phlebotomists shows some strengths, particularly given the attractive compensation offered by plasma donation centers, which can pay upwards of $20-$25 per hour, significantly more than the hourly rate seen in hospital roles. As the cost-of-living index for Sumter stands at 91.5, those salaries effectively enhance take-home purchasing power. Facilities like Quest and LabCorp, alongside reference labs and mobile phlebotomy services, generally contribute positively to the overall employment scenario. Pay disparities can be attributed to various factors, such as work settings, shift differentials for early morning draws, and the specialization required for pediatric phlebotomy. To maximize earnings in Sumter, phlebotomists should consider diversifying their skill set, gaining credentials through ASCP, NHA, or AMT, and exploring opportunities in higher-paying sectors like plasma donation.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $37,418 for phlebotomistsin the Sumter 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
Salary data for Sumter 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