Phlebotomist Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $27.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a phlebotomist working in Berkeley, CA runs $27.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,174 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,709 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For phlebotomists working in Berkeley, California, the median hourly rate is projected to be $27.01 in 2026, which is an attractive figure when compared to the national median of $22.72. This rate is particularly significant for those seeking flexible work arrangements, such as part-time roles or per-diem positions. In typical settings — including hospital floor draws, outpatient patient service centers, and mobile draws at corporate events — phlebotomists can expect hourly wages ranging from $21.73 for entry-level positions to $34.44 for seasoned professionals. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, underscore the potential for phlebotomists in Berkeley to enjoy a competitive edge in hourly pay relative to their counterparts across the nation.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Phlebotomist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.73 | $173.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.05 | $184.40 |
| Median (P50) | $27.01 | $216.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.82 | $230.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.44 | $275.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $27.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.01/hr, a phlebotomist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $56,182 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,413. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,080.43 | $4,682 | $56,182 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $648.26 | $2,809 | $33,709 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $432.17 | $1,873 | $22,473 |
Compare PBT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Phlebotomist (Berkeley) | $27.01 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Phlebotomists in Berkeley, CA earn a median of $56,174 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.86% higher than the national median of $47,261 and 0.40% above the California state average of $55,950.
Phlebotomist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.01/hr = $33,709/year (purchasing power: $29,805).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,182/year (purchasing power: $49,675).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for phlebotomists in Berkeley grew 27.4% from $20.29/hr (2019) to $25.85/hr (2025). At a 4.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.22/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem phlebotomists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley 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.
Working as an Hourly Phlebotomist in Berkeley
Examining the earning potential for part-time phlebotomists in Berkeley reveals distinct differences, particularly for those working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours. Such individuals can expect to take home approximately $33,672 annually, which, while significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts, provides a viable income especially for those seeking work-life balance. Per-diem phlebotomists and mobile contractors, on the other hand, can command rates between $20-$30 per hour, with some plasma donation center positions offering premiums and bonuses that often enhance overall compensation. Hourly wages can fluctuate significantly depending on the employer's setting, whether that be a hospital, outpatient lab, or a plasma center, with some opting for higher hourly rates at the cost of benefits. For phlebotomists seeking to negotiate their pay, understanding these variances in the market and the trade-offs involved is crucial to achieving satisfaction in their roles.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for phlebotomists in Berkeley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berkeley 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