Phlebotomist Pay

Seattle vs Tukwila: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)

Compare phlebotomist salaries between Seattle, WA and Tukwila, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Seattle, WA
$52,141
$25.07/hr
Tukwila, WA
$46,171
$22.19/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSeattle, WATukwila, WA
Median Salary$52,141$46,171
Hourly Rate$25.07$22.19
Entry Level (P10)$42,674$39,688
25th Percentile$48,860$40,483
75th Percentile$61,670$48,446
Top Earner (P90)$72,850$56,114
Total Employed1,6104
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Seattle ($52,141) and Tukwila ($46,171) phlebotomist salaries.SeattleTukwilaMedian Salary$52,141$46,171Entry Level (P10)$42,674$39,688Top Earner (P90)$72,850$56,114US Median $47,261

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tukwila.

The salary gap between Seattle and Tukwila is $5,970 (12.93%). Seattle's median is +10.33% compared to the US national median of $47,261.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $30,176,Tukwila spans $16,426. Seattle has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Seattle
P10 (Entry)$42,674
P25$48,860
Median$52,141
P75$61,670
P90 (Top)$72,850
Tukwila
P10 (Entry)$39,688
P25$40,483
Median$46,171
P75$48,446
P90 (Top)$56,114

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($46,918 effective) pays 9.14% more than Tukwila ($42,990 effective).

Seattle
Nominal: $52,141
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $46,918
Tukwila
Nominal: $46,171
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $42,990

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,141/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($72,850)
  • Larger job market (1,610 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,918)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Tukwila if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Seattle grew 22.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.4% growth in Tukwila over the same period.

Seattle, WA

+22.0%

$40,890 (2019) → $49,900 (2025)

Tukwila, WA

+-14.4%

$51,621 (2024) → $44,187 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays phlebotomists more: Seattle or Tukwila?

Seattle has a higher median phlebotomist salary at $52,141/year, compared to Tukwila at $46,171/year — a difference of $5,970 (12.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tukwila?

Seattle phlebotomists earn $25.07/hr while Tukwila hygienists earn $22.19/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Seattle to Tukwila as a phlebotomist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Seattle and Tukwila. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Seattle = $46,918, Tukwila = $42,990), job availability (1,610 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Seattle vs Tukwila?

Entry-level (10th percentile) phlebotomists earn $42,674 in Seattle and $39,688 in Tukwila. The Seattle area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Thompson, PBT(ASCP)Data verified by Maria Garcia, CPT

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