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A phlebotomist collects blood from patients for diagnostic tests or blood bank donations. Using appropriate venipuncture procedures, they insert a needle into a patient's vein and draw the correct amount of blood into a vial or bag. They also perform finger pricks and heel stick tests on infants through capillary draws.
Phlebotomists clean the site where they draw the blood, label and store blood and maintain a sterile environment. Working directly with patients, they explain procedures, answer questions and calm those who are anxious or scared.
How do you become a phlebotomist?
How do you become a phlebotomist?
Launch your phlebotomist career by enrolling in an accredited postsecondary phlebotomy training program. Colleges and vocational schools offer these programs, which usually take less than 1 year to complete.
Once you graduate from a training program, you must take a certification exam and earn professional credentials. Phlebotomists must obtain a state license before practicing in California, Louisiana, Nevada and Washington as of March 2023.
What credentials/licensing does aphlebotomist require?
Even if you work in a state that doesn’t require licensure, many employers require a phlebotomy credential to show you have the knowledge and skills to work in the field.
Several phlebotomy certificates are available. Each credential has different education and practical experience requirements, so your training program has the appropriate credentialing organization approval.
Some of the most common professional certifications are:
Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)
Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)
Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (PTC-ASPT)
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-NHA)
Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (CPT-NPA)
Average Phlebotomist Salary
Average Phlebotomist Salary
$17.54/hour
The average salary for a Phlebotomist is $17.54 per hour. This is 124% lower than the practicing US average of $39.29.
Estimate based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Salaries for Phlebotomist compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages
Salaries for Phlebotomist compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages
$17.54/hour
124% lower than the practicing US average.
$39.29/hour
United States
Where do Phlebotomists get paid the most?
Where do Phlebotomists get paid the most?
| State | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $42 | $57 |
| North Carolina | $40 | $48 |
| Illinois | $38 | $51 |
| Oregon | $34 | $100 |
| Connecticut | $33 | $100 |
| New York | $33 | $100 |
| Washington | $32 | $100 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Phlebotomist jobs?
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Phlebotomist jobs?
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Medical Center | $20 | $20 |
| Aiken Regional Medical Centers | $15 | $15 |
| Saint Francis Healthcare System-MO | $15 | $15 |
Last updated on June 11, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.
Phlebotomist Career Guide
Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.
Go to the guideTop Phlebotomist Jobs
View job details
Staff Position
Clinic Phlebotomist
- St. Francis-Emory Healthcare
- Columbus, GA
- 5x8 hrs
$15-22/hour
Apply now
PostedYesterday
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Staff Position
Phlebotomist
- Saint Francis Healthcare System-MO
- Cape Girardeau, MO
$15+/hour
Apply now
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How can you increase your pay as a phlebotomist?
How can you increase your pay as a phlebotomist?
Consider working in areas with high demand for phlebotomists. Staff phlebotomist jobs were paying up to $24 per hour in Illinois and $25 per hour in Washington, D.C., based on Vivian's data on March 28, 2023.
Whatever path you choose, continue learning to stand out as a job candidate and make a case for better pay. Some phlebotomists earn specialty certification as a Technologist in Blood Banking (BB-ASCP) or Donor Phlebotomy Technician (DPT-ASCP) to help boost their pay.
How much does a staff phlebotomist make?
Staff phlebotomists earned an average of $17.54 per hour, based on Vivian's salary data on March 27, 2023.
Is phlebotomy a growing career?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expected phlebotomist jobs to grow 10% between 2021 and 2031, according to May 2021 data. The BLS attributes this growth to an overall increase in demand for medical services in the United States and a growing population of older adults needing healthcare. The BLS forecasts about 21,500 phlebotomist job openings each year during the 10-year period due to job creation and practitioners leaving the field.
What types of employers/facilities have the most phlebotomists employed?
There are about 132,750 phlebotomist jobs nationwide, per May 2021 BLS data. Hospitals employ about 36% of phlebotomists and another 34% work in medical labs.
Which employers/facilities have the highest pay?
While most phlebotomists work in medical settings, such as hospitals and clinics, the top salaries for this allied health occupation are often outside patient care in scientific research and development, social services and blood donations. However, there are relatively few phlebotomist jobs in these areas.
How does phlebotomist pay compare to similar healthcare jobs?
If you want to work more closely with patients and support their daily care, consider apatient care technician job. You can complete most patient care tech programs in less than a year. The average staff patient care technician salary was $14 per hour, based on Vivian's data as of March 28, 2023. This salary was about 20% lower than the average phlebotomist salary of $17.65 per hour. Physicians also rely on imaging to help diagnose illnesses. The average staff X-ray tech salary was $30.34 per hour, according to our salary data on the same date, nearly 72% more.
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Phlebotomist FAQs
What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Phlebotomist?
What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Phlebotomist?
Earning your Registered Phlebotomy Technician (AMT-RPT) often increases your salary potential as a phlebotomist or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.
Can having a Registered Phlebotomy Technician (AMT-RPT) boost my salary as a Phlebotomist?
Can having a Registered Phlebotomy Technician (AMT-RPT) boost my salary as a Phlebotomist?
Yes, having a Registered Phlebotomy Technician (AMT-RPT) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a phlebotomist.
Where can I learn more about working as a Phlebotomist?
Where can I learn more about working as a Phlebotomist?
Take a look at Vivian's Phlebotomist Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.
