Phlebotomist Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $20.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a phlebotomist working in Columbia, SC runs $20.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,015 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,207 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, phlebotomists earn a median hourly rate of $20.20, which is slightly below the national median of $22.72. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this translates to $484.80 weekly or about $25,168 annually, providing a flexible option that can be appealing for individuals balancing other responsibilities. Per-diem employment opportunities, common in settings like hospitals, outpatient service centers, or even mobile draws, offer a wide range of pay, with most workers seeing rates between $18.10 and $23.45. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlights the hourly compensations varying from entry-level positions starting at $18.10 to more experienced phlebotomists earning up to $23.45 as they navigate a variety of work environments, including blood donation centers or corporate wellness events.
Phlebotomist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.10 | $144.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.66 | $149.30 |
| Median (P50) | $20.20 | $161.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.76 | $182.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.45 | $187.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $20.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.20/hr, a phlebotomist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $42,012 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,238. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $807.92 | $3,501 | $42,012 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.75 | $2,101 | $25,207 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.17 | $1,400 | $16,805 |
Compare PBT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Phlebotomist (Columbia) | $20.20 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $42,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.10% lower than the national median of $47,261 and 2.30% above the South Carolina state average of $41,071.
Phlebotomist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.20/hr = $25,207/year (purchasing power: $26,913).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,012/year (purchasing power: $44,855).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for phlebotomists in Columbia grew 16.4% from $16.60/hr (2019) to $19.33/hr (2025). At a 4.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.10/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
For those contemplating a part-time career in phlebotomy, the figures reveal a significant earning potential. A phlebotomist working part-time at 24 hours each week may earn around $25,168 annually, quite a contrast compared to full-time roles in Columbia. The per diem phlebotomist pay in Columbia tends to be competitive; many may earn between $20 and $30 per hour, while those involved in specialized mobile phlebotomy often see rates of $25 to $45 per draw, making it an appealing option for those seeking flexibility. Different employer types affect hourly pay as well. Hospital teams usually offer more stability and benefits, while outpatient labs and plasma centers may provide higher wages but less job security. Understanding these dynamics can aid phlebotomists in negotiating pay effectively, whether they prioritize base salary, the potential for bonuses, or job perks that come with full-time positions.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
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 Columbia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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