Phlebotomist Salary in Kearney, NE: $41,642 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time phlebotomist in Kearney, NE earns a median $41,642/year (≈ $20.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $45,510 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, the projected median annual phlebotomist salary for 2026 sits at $41,642, reflecting a notable gap when compared to the national median of $47,261. This local salary range varies from $35,162 at the lower end (P10) to $52,989 at the top (P90). While compensation in Kearney tends to be lower than the national average, the market illustrates a competitive environment, particularly among different types of employers. Plasma donation centers often offer the highest pay, making them attractive job opportunities for individuals in the field. Understanding this gradient between facilities helps prospective phlebotomists target their job search effectively in Kearney's unique market context.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,162 | $16.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,400 | $17.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,642 | $20.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,850 | $21.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,989 | $25.47 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the phlebotomist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,827 (2026 est.). At $41,642, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $47,261.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Phlebotomist Pay Compares
Kearney median: $41,642/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $43,242 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $47,261 | -11.89% less |
Phlebotomists in Kearney, NE earn a median of $41,642 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $47,261 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $43,242.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearney has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearney, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A phlebotomist earning $41,642 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,510 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,289
2025 BLS Actual
$39,853
2026 Current Est.
$41,642
2019–2027 Growth
+39.1%
Salary Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,936 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,245 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,853 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,642 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,512 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median phlebotomist salary grew 27.4% from $31,289 (2019) to $39,853 (2025). At a 4.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,512 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,223 (39.06%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,162 – $36,400 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,400 – $41,642 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,642 – $44,850 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,850 – $52,989 |
PBT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual phlebotomist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Phlebotomist Job Market in Kearney
Employment opportunities for phlebotomists in Kearney are relatively concentrated, with a workforce comprising just nine professionals in the area. The cost of living index, at 91.5, suggests that the local economic environment is more affordable compared to the national average, potentially enhancing take-home pay for phlebotomists. Among the employers in Kearney, plasma donation centers like Grifols and CSL Plasma typically provide the most competitive salaries due to their aggressive hiring practices and demand for skilled technicians. Salary disparities in the community often stem from the setting in which phlebotomists operate, with plasma donation roles generally yielding higher wages compared to hospitals or outpatient labs. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing certifications from organizations like ASCP or NHA and seeking roles in plasma donation or specialized hospital settings can significantly bolster compensation potential within the region.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $39,853 for phlebotomistsin the Kearney metropolitan area. A 4.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearney 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