How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? (2024)

If you’re looking for a rewarding healthcare career with little schooling, you may consider becoming a phlebotomist. While you’re considering this career path, you’re likely wondering, “How much does a phlebotomist make?” The answer to that depends on a lot of factors. Read on to learn how much you can make as a phlebotomist and what factors will impact your phlebotomist salary.

US News and World Report ranks phlebotomists among the top 30 healthcare support careers and reveals that phlebotomists have above-average satisfaction regarding their stress levels. Plus, becoming a phlebotomist is an excellent entry point into other healthcare careers like nursing or becoming aphysician assistant.

To learn more about if a phlebotomist career is right for you, check out our How to Become a Phlebotomist guide.

We Found The Following Schools with Online Phlebotomy Programs

What is a Phlebotomist?

A phlebotomist is a medical professional who specializes in drawing blood, also known as venipuncture. Blood sample collection is done for many medical reasons, such as clinical lab analysis, determining a medical diagnosis, ensuring a medication’s effectiveness, or managing other health conditions.

You will find phlebotomists working in various clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, clinical laboratories, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, community health centers, blood banks, or other healthcare facilities needing blood collection.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

In order to be a successful phlebotomist, these are the skills you'll need to master:

  • Have an excellent bedside manner. Patients are often nervous when they have their blood drawn, so clear, calm communication is critical.
  • Learn proper collection techniques by disinfecting the area with alcohol, using a tourniquet, locating a vein via sight and touch, and inserting a needle with precision.
  • Prevent safety hazards by following sanitation and infection control protocols.
  • Ensure those blood specimens are contamination-free to prevent inaccurate results.
  • Label all blood vials properly with correct patient information.
  • Ensure that specimens are appropriately stored and promptly transferred to the correct location for analysis.

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What is the Average Phlebotomist Salary?

The average phlebotomist salary in the US is$37,380 per year or $17.97 per hour, according to September 2022 data from theUS Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Career projection for phlebotomists is also very positive, with the BLS projecting a 10% growth in the profession between 2021-2031. There will be a need for an additional 13,900 phlebotomists during that time frame.

Phlebotomy Salary Factors

Phlebotomy salary depends on several factors, including how much experience you have, where you work, and your geographic location.

Years of Experience

According to Payscale, the hourly wage for phlebotomists ranges from $13 per hour to $22 per hour, with an average hourly rate of $16.57.

The number one factor for phlebotomists earning higher wages is their level of experience. Entry-level phlebotomists with less than 1 year of experience can expect to earn around $14.42 per hour, while those with 20+ years of experience earn on average $19.34 per hour (Payscale).

In ascending order from entry-level to late career, phlebotomists earn the following hourly wages:

  1. Entry-level: $14.42
  2. Early career: $15.28
  3. Mid-career: $16.86
  4. Experienced: $18.18
  5. Late career: $19.34

Type of Workplace

Another important salary factor to consider is the type of business you work for as a phlebotomist. According to the BLS, phlebotomist pay varied depending on your specific work location.

The median annual phlebotomist salary in 2021 by work location was as follows:

  1. Outpatient care centers: $38,220
  2. Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $38,040
  3. Physician offices: $36,980
  4. Hospitals: $36,410
  5. Other ambulatory centers: $35,360

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

We Found The Following Schools with Online Phlebotomy Programs

Phlebotomist Salaries by Location

Where you live as a phlebotomist is also important in determining what your income will be.

States With Highest Phlebotomy Salary

According to the BLS, the top 5 states where you can earn the most money as a phlebotomist are:

  1. California: $24.27 per hour; $50,470 annually
  2. Texas: $17.81 per hour; $37,040 annually
  3. Florida: $18.07 per hour; $37,580 annually
  4. New York: $22.58 per hour; $46,960 annually
  5. New Jersey: $20.73 per hour; $43,120 annually

Phlebotomist Salary by State

StateHourly Wage (Mean)Annual Salary (Mean)
Alabama$16.11$33,520
Alaska$21.11$43,900
Arizona$19.47$40,500
Arkansas$16.42$34,150
California$24.27$50,470
Colorado$20.29$42,200
Connecticut$21.22$44,130
Delaware$21.26$44,220
District of Columbia$22.67$47,160
Florida$18.07$37,580
Georgia$19.05$39,620
Hawaii$21.90$45,550
Idaho$21.22$44,130
Illinois$19.89$41,370
Indiana$17.26$35,900
Iowa$17.94$37,320
Kansas$17.94$37,320
Kentucky$17.19$35,760
Louisiana$15.97$33,210
Maine$17.70$36,820
Maryland$21.70$45,130
Massachusetts$22.85$47,530
Michigan$18.79$39,080
Minnesota$19.67 $40,920
Mississippi$16.41 $34,140
Missouri$17.80 $37,020
Montana$18.18 $37,820
Nebraska$17.40 $36,190
Nevada$19.58 $40,730
New Hampshire$19.95 $41,490
New Jersey$20.73 $43,120
New Mexico$17.22 $35,820
New York$22.58 $46,960
North Carolina$18.40 $38,270
North Dakota$19.43 $40,410
Ohio$17.48 $36,360
Oklahoma$16.87 $35,090
Oregon$21.06 $43,800
Pennsylvania$19.43 $40,410
Puerto Rico$10.47 $21,790
Rhode Island$21.44 $44,600
South Carolina$17.72 $36,860
South Dakota$16.80 $34,950
Tennessee$17.07 $35,500
Texas$17.81 $37,040
Utah$17.43 $36,250
Vermont$19.16 $39,860
Virginia$19.45 $40,460
Washington$22.64 $47,090
West Virginia$16.83 $35,000
Wisconsin$19.27 $40,090
Wyoming$17.56 $36,530

Source: BLS (via Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System)

Highest Paying Cities for Phlebotomists

According to the BLS, the cities where you can earn the most as a phlebotomist are:

  1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $28.41 per hour; $59,090 annually
  2. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA: $27.44 per hour; $57,070 annually
  3. Stockton-Lodi, CA: $26.49 per hour; $55,100 annually
  4. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA: $26.27 per hour; $54,650 annually
  5. Redding, CA: $26.22 per hour; $54,530 annually
  6. Salinas, CA: $25.69 per hour; $53,440 annually
  7. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA: $25.13 per hour; $52,270 annually
  8. Modesto, CA: $24.84 per hour; $51,690 annually
  9. Santa Rosa, CA: $24.84 per hour; $51,620 annually
  10. Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA: $24,64 per hour; $51,520 annually

Ways to Increase Your Salary as a Phlebotomist

Phlebotomy Certification

Becoming certified as a phlebotomist is required in some states before you are allowed to practice. However, not all states require certification, so it is essential to understand the requirements where you live.

One of the easiest ways to raise your hourly rate in these areas (as well as prove your professional knowledge) is to become a certified phlebotomy technician.

There are several certification agencies where you can earn and maintain certification. The requirements, testing, and cost vary for each agency. Here are the most commonly used certification agencies for phlebotomists:

  1. American Certification Agency For Healthcare Professionals (ACA)
  2. American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
  3. American Medical Technologists (AMT)
  4. The American Society For Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
  5. The National Center For Competency Testing (NCCT)

Further Your Education

The education to become a phlebotomist requires a diploma or certificate program. It takes about two semesters, or 4-9 months, which is relatively fast compared to most direct patient care professions.

But working as a phlebotomist gives you a bird’s eye view into several other interesting medical careers that require more education - and may even double your income. For example, many phlebotomists work closely with nurses and ancillary staff who are earning a significantly higher salaries and have increased responsibility.

You may want to consider advancing your education in another healthcare field while you work as a phlebotomist. That way, when you graduate, you will already have a foot in the door to work in the same healthcare facility where you are already employed.

Become a Phlebotomy Trainer

Some medical facilities will offer an increase in your hourly wage while you take on the extra responsibility of training a new graduate or new hire. Not only does it show your administrators how valuable you are and increase your income, but it also gives you an edge if you are looking to be promoted into a management position eventually.

Be Promoted to Manager or Supervisor

If you work hard to master your skills as a phlebotomist, become certified, and eventually gain on-the-job experience, you might want to consider training for a management position. Becoming a phlebotomy supervisor will give you additional responsibility. However, it also offers a higher hourly wage to match.

Work Per-Diem

Per-diem is Latin for working “by the day.” Per diem employees are valuable because they help fill staffing needs daily. An employer needs a certain amount of phlebotomists to manage patient care every day, and when they don’t have enough staff, per diem employees can help come in and save the day.

One of the perks of being flexible with your schedule is that you earn more than a career phlebotomy salary. As a result, some per diem phlebotomists choose to work between two facilities to help fill staffing needs while making more money. You can even work as a mobile phlebotomist, traveling to different medical facilities when they have an increased need.

Relocate

As you saw above in the section on phlebotomy salaries by cities and states, where you live can have a big impact on how much you can earn as a phlebotomist. What you need to keep in mind, however, is the cost of living in these areas as well! For example, you may pull in a higher phlebotomist salary in Los Angeles, but the increased living expenses may not make it worthwhile.

We Found The Following Schools with Online Phlebotomy Programs

How to Decide if Becoming a Phlebotomist is Right for You

If you don’t mind the sight of blood and the thought of working on a team of life-saving medical professionals excites you, a career in phlebotomy might be an excellent choice for you.

But when considering any profession, it is essential to do your homework and understand your earning potential. Factors such as location, type of workplace, experience, certification, and desire for promotion can affect a phlebotomist's salary.

But most of all, consistency and hard work are essential. Over time your experience can put you in the top 10% of phlebotomist earners and offer a rewarding, life-long career.

Other Healthcare Careers You May Be Interested In

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How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? (2024)

FAQs

What is the highest pay for a Phlebotomist? ›

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

The samples are then sent to a medical lab for analysis; physicians use the results to diagnose conditions such as chronic disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

How much does a certified Phlebotomist make in NJ? ›

As of Jul 17, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Hospital Phlebotomist in New Jersey is $18.40 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $28.06 and as low as $12.45, the majority of Hospital Phlebotomist salaries currently range between $16.59 (25th percentile) to $20.72 (75th percentile) in New Jersey.

How much does a certified Phlebotomist make an hour in Louisiana? ›

As of Jul 21, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Phlebotomist in Louisiana is $14.83 an hour.

Is becoming a Phlebotomist a good career choice? ›

Phlebotomists earn a good salary, especially when you consider their education and training. They make more money compared to certified nursing assistants – around $7,000 more each year on average. What's even better, phlebotomists often get nice perks as part of their job benefits.

Is phlebotomy a stressful job? ›

Of course, phlebotomy isn't without its downsides. The job requires precision and technical skill coupled with human empathy—often under challenging time pressure—which can be physically and emotionally rigorous.

What is the next career above a phlebotomist? ›

Another career option for phlebotomists is to become a medical laboratory technician , which requires an associate degree and professional certification. Technicians collect blood samples and analyze them to determine a medical diagnosis. They also determine the viability of blood for transfusions.

How long is phlebotomy training in NJ? ›

Program Description

This 3 week program consists of 80 hours (50 hours of classroom instruction and 30 hours of clinical/lab experience).

What can a Phlebotomist do to make more money? ›

Completing the proper training program and advancing to a higher paying medical position, like a nurse or clinical lab technologist, you can actually double your annual salary. Earning a 2 or 4 year degree in a medical field like nursing, for example, is a natural and common progression for a phlebotomy technician.

Do you need a license to be a Phlebotomist in New Jersey? ›

These programs offer a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Certification: While New Jersey does not require phlebotomists to be nationally certified, most employers prefer or require it. The certification process involves passing an examination.

Which state pays phlebotomists the most? ›

California offers phlebotomists the highest average salary in the U.S. at $48,070, above the national average of $37,380 but below the average for all other occupations in the state of $68,510. The top 10% of phlebotomists in California earn a yearly salary of $61,060.

Why is phlebotomy important? ›

Phlebotomy is used for many different reasons such as drawing samples of someone's blood so it can be tested, checking up on specific types of conditions related to one's liver, kidneys, spleen, and other areas within their body where there might be an abnormality occurring.

What is it called when they take blood out? ›

Phlebotomy may also be done to remove extra red blood cells from the blood, to treat certain blood disorders. Also called blood draw and venipuncture.

What are the cons of being a phlebotomist? ›

Here are some cons of being a phlebotomist:
  • Injuries and exposures. Phlebotomists may experience workplace hazards. ...
  • Work stress. As a phlebotomist, you may have work-related stress. ...
  • Long hours. ...
  • Low margin of error. ...
  • Difficult patients. ...
  • Many hours of standing. ...
  • Some paperwork.
Jul 19, 2023

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.

Is a phlebotomy certification worth it? ›

Earning a phlebotomy technician certification can have a direct impact on your income. Certified phlebotomy technicians typically earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. Healthcare facilities recognize the value of certified professionals and are willing to compensate them accordingly.

What is higher than a Phlebotomist? ›

LVNs typically earn higher salaries than Phlebotomists, but both can vary based on location and experience. Demand for both LVNs and Phlebotomists is expected to grow. LVNs require in-person training and licensing, while Phlebotomists can often complete online or hybrid training programs.

What is the hourly rate for a Phlebotomist in CA? ›

As of Jul 21, 2024, the average hourly pay for an Entry Level Phlebotomist in California is $18.36 an hour.

How much does a phlebotomy technician make in NC? ›

Phlebotomy Salary in North Carolina
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$48,620$4,051
75th Percentile$43,200$3,600
Average$41,474$3,456
25th Percentile$32,700$2,725

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