Burlington vs Raleigh: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Burlington, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,234 | $48,358▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.74 | $23.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,125 | $38,985▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,724 | $40,709▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,031 | $49,257▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,695 | $53,018▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 870▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Raleigh is $3,124 (6.91%). Raleigh's median is +2.32% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $12,570,Raleigh spans $14,033. Raleigh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced phlebotomists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Raleigh ($49,266 effective) pays 1.50% more than Burlington ($48,536 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,358/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,018)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,266)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Burlington grew 52.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.4% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$28,390 (2019) → $43,290 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$34,430 (2019) → $46,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Burlington or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Raleigh as a phlebotomist?
What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Burlington vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.49% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MLT, a licensed phlebotomist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov