Cedar Rapids vs Muscatine: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Muscatine, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Muscatine, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,996▲ | $36,581 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.75▲ | $17.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,763▲ | $32,043 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,763▲ | $32,683 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,540▲ | $38,846 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,491▲ | $45,075 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muscatine.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Muscatine is $2,415 (6.60%). Cedar Rapids's median is -17.49% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $9,728,Muscatine spans $13,032. Muscatine 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, Cedar Rapids ($43,834 effective) pays 8.32% more than Muscatine ($40,466 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,996/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($47,491)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,834)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Muscatine if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Muscatine over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$30,570 (2019) → $37,320 (2025)
Muscatine, IA
$33,772 (2024) → $35,009 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Muscatine, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Cedar Rapids or Muscatine?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Muscatine?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Muscatine as a phlebotomist?
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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
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