Phlebotomist Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $26.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a phlebotomist working in Lake Forest, CA runs $26.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,946 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Weighted against Lake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,966 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Forest, CA, the projected median hourly pay for a phlebotomist in 2026 is $26.42, significantly above the national hourly median of $22.72. This higher hourly rate benefits various work arrangements, allowing part-time phlebotomists, who may work three days a week, to earn a competitive wage in settings like hospitals, outpatient services, and plasma donation centers. With an hourly range stretching from $21.59 for entry-level positions to $34.60 for seasoned professionals, phlebotomists in this region have diverse earning potential depending on their experience and the specific demands of their role. Hourly pay estimates, derived from annual salary data, reflect the competitive job environment for certified professionals in an area where rising demand for healthcare services supports higher wage structures.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $21.59 | $172.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.13 | $177.05 |
| Median (P50) | $26.42 | $211.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.85 | $230.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.60 | $276.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Forest
Based on $26.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.42/hr, a phlebotomist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Forest, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,943 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,698. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,056.60 | $4,579 | $54,943 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.96 | $2,747 | $32,966 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.64 | $1,831 | $21,977 |
Compare PBT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Phlebotomist (Lake Forest) | $26.42 |
| 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 Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $54,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.26% higher than the national median of $47,261 and 1.80% below the California state average of $55,953.
Phlebotomist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.42/hr = $32,966/year (purchasing power: $29,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,943/year (purchasing power: $48,579).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for phlebotomists in Lake Forest grew 27.4% from $19.85/hr (2019) to $25.28/hr (2025). At a 4.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.60/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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
For those considering part-time work, a phlebotomist working 24 hours a week typically brings home a solid income that can exceed $41,000 annually, compared to the full-time equivalent, which offers additional benefits. Per diem phlebotomists in Lake Forest often earn between $20-$30 an hour, while mobile phlebotomy contractors can earn anywhere from $25 to $45 per draw. Moreover, positions at plasma donation centers typically include bonus structures that can add $200-$500 a month on top of base wages. The hourly rates may vary considerably depending on the employer type, with outpatient labs, hospitals, and mobile services each presenting unique pay scales and benefits packages. For many, balancing a higher hourly rate against the lack of health insurance can influence job choices. Negotiating pay in a competitive market demands understanding the specific value of skills and certifications, particularly for those with specialized training and licensure, fostering informed conversations that can lead to better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for phlebotomists in Lake Forest in 2026?
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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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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