Phlebotomist Salary In the U.S
The average phlebotomist salary is around $37,000 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, donations, transfusions, or research. Between now and 2029, the BLS projects a significant increase in demand for phlebotomists.
How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make?
How much does a phlebotomist make? The average phlebotomy salary is $37,280 a year, according to the BLS. For comparison, the average salary for all occupations is $56,310 a year.
There are many reasons to become a professional phlebotomist. Consider the following:
- Important work: Blood transfusions and medical tests save lives every day.
- Short period to become certified: Many schools offer phlebotomy programs that only take a few months to complete.
- Gateway to other medical professions: Because it only takes a few months to become a qualified phlebotomist, it is a good job to have while completing the required schooling or training for other medical careers.
- Fast-paced: Phlebotomists are always on the move from one task to the next. It is not a desk job.
- Work with people: Though their time with them is short, phlebotomists work with people of all ages and must learn to put them at ease as they draw blood.
Phlebotomist Salary Per State
Texas
Salary Changes Per Phlebotomist Career
The phlebotomist salary is around $37,000 a year, but for those who have worked the job for numerous years, the phlebotomist pay is around $50,000.
To become a phlebotomist, you must complete the required coursework and training. Depending on the program, you can complete the course within a semester or less, making the tuition very affordable as many programs are less than $1,500.
A phlebotomy specialist practices a specific type of phlebotomy, such as collections and patient service. Becoming a phlebotomy specialist requires additional training. Sometimes your employer will provide this training after working as a phlebotomist for a few years.
A phlebotomy specialist earns around $43,500 a year.
Trained and certified phlebotomists can use phlebotomy as a stepping stone to another career path. Because training and certification can occur so quickly, becoming a full-time phlebotomist in under a year and then immediately pursuing other interests, such as becoming a medical assistant, certified nurse, or physician assistant, is possible.
Schooling, materials, and examinations for these professions cost more, but an ongoing phlebotomy career can significantly help.
Phlebotomist Jobs & Career Opportunities
The job growth for phlebotomy is particularly high. The average growth across all jobs is 4%, but the BLS projects phlebotomy will grow by 17% by 2029.
The top three states with the highest job potential are:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
The top three metro areas with the highest job potential are:
- New York-Newark-Jersey City
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim
- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Benefits of Becoming a Phlebotomist
Depending on which employer hires you, you may expect some of the following benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomy training programs cost up to $1,400, depending on which school you attend. Additionally, working phlebotomists must acquire continuing education credits each year to remain certified. The amount of credits you need depends on which state you're in, but many employers pay for this or offer courses that count as credits.
Before you begin, you will likely need to take a nationally recognized examination to be eligible to apply for most phlebotomy jobs, such as the one offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Their phlebotomy technician certification exam fee is currently $105.
There are federal aid options to help students break into the career, so make sure to determine whether you qualify.
Salaries for Related Jobs
Now you know how much a phlebotomist makes, but if you feel like the field might not be right for you, consider these related jobs:
Medical Assistant
- Salary: $35,850
- Cost to become: Roughly $3,000 for a certificate, or up to $10,000 for an associate degree
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