Grand Island vs Papillion: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Grand Island, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Papillion, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,508 | $40,224▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.00 | $19.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,822▲ | $35,004 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,620▲ | $35,704 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,004▲ | $42,498 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,097 | $49,359▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Papillion, NE offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Papillion is $716 (1.81%). Papillion's median is -14.89% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $11,275,Papillion spans $14,355. Papillion 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, Grand Island ($45,591 effective) pays 3.71% more than Papillion ($43,961 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,591)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Papillion if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,224/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,359)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Grand Island grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Papillion over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$36,720 (2024) → $37,810 (2025)
Papillion, NE
$34,045 (2024) → $38,496 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Papillion, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Grand Island or Papillion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Papillion?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Papillion as a phlebotomist?
What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Grand Island vs Papillion?
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