How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org (2024)

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org (1)

by

Updated April 18, 2023

  • Average Salary
  • Highest-Paying States
  • Ways to Increase Pay

Phlebotomists are vital members of the healthcare team who draw blood for lab tests. Learn how much phlebotomists make and the states where they earn the most.

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org (2)

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org (3)

Phlebotomists are important members of the healthcare team who draw blood for patient lab tests. If a doctor, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare provider wants to know the status of a patient’s health or wants to make an accurate diagnosis, they rely on skilled phlebotomists to draw the required blood specimen.

The role of phlebotomist can be an entry-level healthcare position. An individual already working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical assistant (MA), or emergency medical technician (EMT) can add to their marketability and professionalism by becoming certified in phlebotomy.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that phlebotomist positions could see an above average 22% job growth between 2020 and 2030, with over 19,000 new positions expected to be added each year. Read on to learn about the average phlebotomist salary, certification opportunities, and the states where they earn the most.

Average Salary for Phlebotomists

According to Payscale data from July 2022, the average phlebotomist salary is $35,630 per year, or $15.94 an hour. Phlebotomists can earn anywhere from $25,000 to $47,000 annually, depending on work setting, education, and experience.

By comparison, medical assistants earn an average of $37,190 annually, clinical laboratory technicians earn $57,800, and dental assistants make an average of $38,660 per year.

Phlebotomists in cities like New York or San Francisco usually earn more than those in Tulsa or Little Rock. Cost of living in coastal cities tends to be much higher.

Jobs that may pay a greater phlebotomist salary might include government agencies, such as the Veterans Administration. Many insurance companies also hire phlebotomists on a contract basis.

Like any career, the more experience you have as a phlebotomist, the more opportunities you may have to earn a higher salary. Becoming certified can also lead to an increased salary. Earning a promotion to a supervisory or management position is another way to earn more.

$35,630
Average Annual Salary
Source:July 2022

$15.94
Average Hourly Wage
Source:July 2022

Learn More

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

The Highest-Paying States for Phlebotomists

In the table below, note that California, the District of Columbia, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington are the five states with the highest average annual phlebotomist salary.

Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. are home to many prestigious organizations, including teaching and specialty hospitals that provide care for patients with serious conditions, such as cancer. With a higher cost of living and demand for skilled labor, these employers are likely to offer higher salaries.

Highest-Paying States
StateAverage Salary
California$48,070
District of Columbia$45,390
New York$45,390
Massachusetts$44,020
Washington$43,770

3 Ways to Increase Pay As a Phlebotomist

  1. 1

    Become a Certified Phlebotomist

    The National Phlebotomy Association offers certification for the role of certified phlebotomy technologist and certified phlebotomy instructor. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have taken an allied health program that offers a minimum of 16 continuing education units or 160 hours of lecture-based learning and 200 hours of practical experience with either live patients or mannequins. The American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals offers certification as a phlebotomy instructor and phlebotomy technician. Proof of 100 clinical hours, 100 successful venipunctures, and 10 dermal punctures are required for phlebotomy technician certification. For phlebotomy instructor certification, three years of documented work as a phlebotomist are required.Certification increases a phlebotomist’s marketability in a competitive job market and may lead to higher pay.

  2. 2

    Become a Certified Phlebotomy Instructor

    The National Phlebotomy Association offers certification for the role of certified phlebotomy instructor. According to GlassDoor, the average salary for a certified phlebotomy instructor is $47,139 per year. A phlebotomist may also earn extra money on the side by serving as a part-time certified instructor.In order to become certified, knowledge and experience in phlebotomy or an allied health field are required. Eligible allied fields include:

    • Medical assistant
    • Medical technology
    • Medical technician
    • Registered nurse
    • Licensed practical nurse
    • Respiratory therapist
    • Certified phlebotomist
    • Certified nursing assistant
    • Laboratory assistant
  3. 3

    Get Promoted

    Getting promoted to a position like supervisor or manager may lead to increased phlebotomist pay. Taking on extra responsibility, showing initiative, and forming positive professional relationships can increase your potential for promotion. You can also directly inform your supervisors and managers that you are interested in being trained for a leadership position.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phlebotomist Salaries

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org (4)Are phlebotomists in demand?

The BLS projects 22% job growth for phlebotomists from 2020-2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org (5)Do phlebotomists get paid well?

Phlebotomist pay depends on the cost-of-living index where you live, certification, and work setting. With an average annual salary of $35,630, phlebotomist pay is much lower than that of a registered nurse at $68,590, according to Payscale data from July 2022.

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org (6)What skills do phlebotomists need?

Phlebotomists need to be skilled in venipuncture, which requires the ability to insert a needle into the veins of patients across the lifespan, including children and the elderly. Since phlebotomists work directly with patients, skills in communication are necessary, as well as the ability to collaborate with nurses, physicians, and other professionals.

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org (7)What career advancement opportunities are available for phlebotomists?

Career advancement for phlebotomists includes seeking promotion to a supervisory position, becoming certified as a phlebotomy instructor, or using a phlebotomy career as a jumping-off point to pursue a career in nursing or a related healthcare field.


Related Pages

Ask a Nurse: College vs. Technical School?Prospective nurses can start their training at colleges or technical schools. Learn from experienced nurses which option best fits your career goals.Mar 24, 2023
Types of Nursing Degrees and LevelsLearn about the types of nursing degrees available and how to launch your career in this field. Explore in-demand job opportunities and earning potential.Apr 25, 2024
How Much Do Phlebotomists Make?Phlebotomists are vital members of the healthcare team who draw blood for lab tests. Learn how much phlebotomists make and the states where they earn the most.Apr 18, 2023

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org (11)

You might be interested in

HESI vs. TEAS Exam: The Differences ExplainedNursing schools use entrance exams to make admissions decisions. Learn about the differences between the HESI vs. TEAS exams.Feb 14, 2024
10 Nursing Schools That Don’t Require TEAS or HESI ExamFor Chiefs’ RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Nursing Runs in the Family
How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org (2024)

FAQs

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? | NurseJournal.org? ›

According to Payscale data from July 2022, the average phlebotomist salary is $35,630 per year, or $15.94 an hour. Phlebotomists can earn anywhere from $25,000 to $47,000 annually, depending on work setting, education, and experience.

What is the highest pay for a phlebotomist? ›

The best Phlebotomist jobs can pay up to $70,000 per year.

As a Phlebotomist, you need to cross-check all your labels to make sure they are accurate and match the patient.

Can you make 6 figures as a phlebotomist? ›

States With Highest Phlebotomy Salary

According to the BLS, the top 5 states where you can earn the most money as a phlebotomist are: California: $24.27 per hour; $50,470 annually. Texas: $17.81 per hour; $37,040 annually. Florida: $18.07 per hour; $37,580 annually.

What can a phlebotomist do to make more money? ›

Fulfill a managerial position

As you continue to gain phlebotomy experience, consider applying for a position as a phlebotomy supervisor, which may also require a bachelor's degree. You can gain an increase in salary and manage a team of fellow phlebotomists.

Can you make a living off of being a phlebotomist? ›

A phlebotomist makes an average annual salary of $38,530, with pay ranging from $30,250 to $51,610 or more per year. Phlebotomists with advanced education, experience, certification, and additional skills, as well as travel phlebotomists, can earn more.

What is the next career above a phlebotomist? ›

Clinical Lab Technician

Clinical laboratory technicians typically complete an associate's degree program in clinical laboratory science. The median annual salary for California clinical lab technicians is $68,820.

What is the hardest part of being a phlebotomist? ›

One of the main challenges for phlebotomy technicians is working with anxious or fearful patients. Many people have a fear of needles or blood. This can make their interactions with phlebotomists quite challenging. It requires patience, empathy, and excellent communication skills to help calm these individuals.

What is the biggest mistake a phlebotomist can make? ›

Drawing Blood From the Wrong Patient

This is one of the rarest but arguably most costly mistakes a phlebotomy technician can make.

Is phlebotomy a stressful job? ›

Stressful work-

A phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood and handling people who might be unwell. The environment of a clinic or hospital can be demanding and stressful and you may need to be multitasking throughout the day.

Can you grow from being a phlebotomist? ›

One of the benefits of a role as a Phlebotomist is the number of options available when it comes to advancing your career. Generally, these options include taking up a management or supervisory positions or becoming a donor phlebotomy technician.

Can you move up from a phlebotomist? ›

Certified phlebotomy technicians have many options when it comes to their career paths. Their unique skill set allows them to work directly with patients, in laboratories, or in leadership roles. The path you take is up to you, and it depends on the education you choose to pursue.

Is there a phlebotomist shortage? ›

As people were overworked during the pandemic, phlebotomists also suffered from burnout. This means that there are fewer candidates who are willing to take on this type of work, which has contributed to the shortage. However, for those who are up to the challenge, the rewards can be significant.

What is the difference between a licensed phlebotomist and a certified phlebotomist? ›

Certification: If you're certified, you can do the things you learned in your training and what the certifying group says you can do. Licensure: Being licensed means you can do what the law and rules in your area say you're allowed to do when it comes to phlebotomy.

What job pays a phlebotomist the most? ›

What are high-paying phlebotomy jobs?
  1. Mobile phlebotomist. National average salary: $34,738 per year Primary duties: A mobile phlebotomist travels to the locations of various patients to collect blood and other samples. ...
  2. Laboratory technician. ...
  3. Physician assistant. ...
  4. Biomedical engineer. ...
  5. Pharmacist.
Apr 18, 2024

Is phlebotomy worth the money? ›

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomists earned an average annual salary of over $34,000 in 2021. Given the expected growth in phlebotomy-related jobs and the potential for decent wages among phlebotomists, this field may be ideal for those seeking stability and security in the job market.

Where is the best place to work as a phlebotomist? ›

10 high-paying states for a phlebotomist
  • Colorado. ...
  • Montana. ...
  • New York. ...
  • Idaho. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • California. In California, the average salary for a phlebotomist is currently $58,487 per year . ...
  • Oregon. The average salary for a phlebotomist in Oregon is currently $61,474 per year . ...
  • Massachusetts.
Aug 18, 2024

How much do phlebotomy techs make in VA? ›

$35,700 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $47,100 is the 75th percentile.

How much does a certified phlebotomist make in Texas? ›

$33,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $48,400 is the 75th percentile.

How much does phlebotomy make in Georgia? ›

The average salary for a Phlebotomist in Georgia is $15.40 per hour. This is 61% lower than the US average of $24.85. Estimate based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 5689

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.