Phlebotomist Salary in Cleveland, TN: $38,649 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time phlebotomist in Cleveland, TN earns a median $38,649/year (≈ $18.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $42,101 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual compensation for phlebotomists in Cleveland, TN is estimated at $38,649 for 2026, which falls significantly short of the national median salary of $47,261. Local salaries range from $32,496 at the lower end to $50,145 for those in the upper percentile, reflecting a diverse earning potential that also aligns with the employment landscape of the area. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. In this market, the absence of a California Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) licensure requirement could impact salary scales, as California phlebotomists often enjoy a premium for certification. Ultimately, Cleveland's job market shows room for growth, and aspiring phlebotomists may find opportunities to enter a field that is expected to grow annually by 4.49%.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($37,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,496 | $15.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,591 | $16.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,649 | $18.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,302 | $20.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,145 | $24.11 |
Median Salary Position
18.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, TN, the phlebotomist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,649 (2026 est.). At $38,649, the local median is 18.22% below the national median of $47,261.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Phlebotomist Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $38,649/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $39,559 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $47,261 | -18.22% less |
Phlebotomists in Cleveland, TN earn a median of $38,649 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.22% lower than the national median of $47,261 and 2.30% below the Tennessee state average of $39,559.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A phlebotomist earning $38,649 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,101 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,039
2025 BLS Actual
$36,988
2026 Current Est.
$38,649
2019–2027 Growth
+39.1%
Salary Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,039 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,702 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,568 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,988 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,649 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,384 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median phlebotomist salary grew 27.4% from $29,039 (2019) to $36,988 (2025). At a 4.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,384 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,345 (39.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $32,496 – $33,591 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,591 – $38,649 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,649 – $42,302 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,302 – $50,145 |
PBT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual phlebotomist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Phlebotomist Job Market in Cleveland
In Cleveland, the local job market currently employs about 10 phlebotomists, indicating a tight-knit community with limited competition. The cost-of-living index of 91.8 suggests that while salaries may appear lower than national averages, the overall economic environment offers more purchasing power relative to expenses. Employers such as plasma donation centers like Grifols or CSL Plasma are known to offer higher compensation compared to hospital phlebotomy teams and outpatient lab patient service centers. This trend stems from the plasma industry's aggressive hiring practices, often starting pay in the range of $20-$25 per hour, which reflects the growing demand in healthcare sectors. Phlebotomists looking to maximize pay can benefit from gaining additional certifications and skills, focusing on specialties that may command higher rates, while also considering shifts that offer differentials, such as early morning hospital draws.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
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 $36,988 for phlebotomistsin the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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