How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make in Illinois in 2026?

A typical Phlebotomist in Illinois earns about $22.12 per hour ($46,010 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Calculated from that annual figure, pay works out to roughly $3,834 a month or $885 a week. These figures reflect statewide pay across all experience levels and work settings, from hospitals to outpatient labs.

Illinois pay runs 2% above the national figure of $45,230 a year, based on the same May 2025 data. That places the state 17th out of 51 states and territories ranked for phlebotomist pay. Illinois employs about 7,910 phlebotomists, compared with 143,540 nationwide.

Entry-level positions in Illinois typically offer around $17.97 an hour, or about $37,370 a year, for phlebotomists just starting out. Those in the next tier up typically earn near $19.09 an hour, about $39,710 a year. Pay generally moves toward the statewide typical figure of $22.12 an hour within the first few years on the job.

Experienced Phlebotomists in Illinois often earn upwards of $23.90 an hour, close to $49,720 a year. The top 10% of earners make over $26.40 an hour, or $54,920 a year, a spread of $17,550 between entry-level and top pay. That gap usually tracks experience, work setting, and city, with hospital and specialty-lab roles in higher-paying metro areas landing at the top.

Illinois phlebotomist pay has risen steadily over the past decade, climbing from $34,260 in 2015 to $46,010 in 2025. That's a gain of $11,750, a 34% increase over ten years. The rise wasn't perfectly steady each year, but the overall direction has been consistently upward since 2015.

Nationally, phlebotomist pay rose 43% over the same decade, a faster pace than Illinois saw. For someone starting out now, that history shows pay has moved up steadily in this field, though nothing about future increases is guaranteed. Illinois wages still gained real ground, just at a slower rate than the country overall.

Pay runs highest in Decatur, where phlebotomists typically earn $22.94 an hour ($47,720 a year), about 4% above the statewide figure. Chicago follows closely at $22.69 an hour ($47,190 a year), and Champaign and Urbana pay $21.86 an hour. These figures reflect each city's full metro area, not just the city itself.

Kankakee pays the least among the cities listed, at $19.34 an hour ($40,230 a year), a $7,490 spread between the highest- and lowest-paying metro areas in the state. Chicago has the largest phlebotomist workforce by far, with about 5,310 employed there. Pay differences across Illinois cities generally track local living costs, with higher-cost metro areas paying more to match.

Illinois pay compares favorably with most of its neighbors. Wisconsin phlebotomists earn about 1% more, at $46,470 a year, the only neighboring state to out-earn Illinois. Missouri sits 6% lower at $43,120, Kentucky trails by 8% at $42,480, Indiana by 15% at $39,250, and Iowa by 17% at $38,240. Phlebotomy certification often transfers or can be endorsed between neighboring states, though requirements vary by state registry.

Phlebotomists in Illinois typically earn $46,010 a year ($22.12 an hour), a figure that has climbed 34% over the past decade. Pay varies by city and experience, from entry-level roles near $37,370 to top earners above $54,920. Readers considering this path should check Illinois's phlebotomy certification and registry requirements for current licensing rules, and review city-specific pages for local pay figures before deciding where to work.