How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? (2024)

Home » Phlebotomist » Salary

  • Overview
  • Job Duties
  • Education
  • Salary
  • Certification

Phlebotomy is a vital healthcare role you can break into without years of schooling. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), phlebotomists make a median salary of $41,810.

In this Article

  • Highest Paying Cities
  • Factors that Impact Phlebotomy Salary
  • Demand
  • Salaries for Similar Roles

Phlebotomists can also count on job security if they remain in the field. There’s a need for trained phlebotomists in medical facilities all over the country. In fact, the BLS is predicting a healthy 7.8% increase in phlebotomist roles through 2033.

D’Vaughn House, a phlebotomist, medical assistant, and research coordinator at the University of Cincinnati’s Infectious Diseases Research Unit, says that growth isn’t surprising. He says that healthcare would be unable to function without medical labs and the phlebotomists who collect specimens for them.

“In the healthcare system, doctors typically cannot diagnose a major illness without testing because insurance companies use medical labs to know how to make fact-based decisions,” House says. “The only way to do that is through collecting biological specimens. At all levels of health, medical labs serve as the most reliable fact-checking mechanism.” You can usually complete your education in less than a year, depending on how quickly you choose to move through a program. Read on to learn about the salary you might see when you finish your training program, and how your location, certifications, and experience can impact it.

Phlebotomist Salary (State-by-State)

Phlebotomists

National data

Median Salary: $41,810

Projected job growth: 7.8%

10th Percentile: $33,310

25th Percentile: $36,720

75th Percentile: $47,410

90th Percentile: $55,330

Projected job growth: 7.8%

State data

StateMedian SalaryBottom 10%Top 10%
Alabama$36,190$29,190$43,900
Alaska$44,990$40,160$61,560
Arizona$41,210$37,200$53,210
Arkansas$36,880$29,570$43,460
California$49,120$39,270$66,690
Colorado$45,450$38,260$56,830
Connecticut$45,950$38,020$57,010
Delaware$47,980$39,030$58,170
District of ColumbiaN/AN/AN/A
Florida$37,910$34,090$46,110
Georgia$39,920$32,200$50,410
HawaiiN/AN/AN/A
Idaho$38,740$30,810$47,470
Illinois$44,530$33,350$50,080
Indiana$37,390$31,310$46,680
Iowa$37,740$34,510$47,850
Kansas$37,870$30,440$50,760
Kentucky$37,270$29,080$53,220
Louisiana$34,470$27,930$43,830
Maine$39,400$33,660$47,330
Maryland$45,990$37,540$57,900
Massachusetts$47,220$39,120$58,240
Michigan$38,830$35,750$48,890
Minnesota$42,090$36,150$53,300
Mississippi$32,780$25,480$42,470
Missouri$38,440$29,470$46,570
Montana$38,150$34,670$49,690
Nebraska$36,360$32,870$47,740
Nevada$38,250$35,300$64,120
New Hampshire$45,560$37,420$54,060
New Jersey$46,770$36,100$55,940
New Mexico$38,940$31,080$47,990
New York$48,510$37,720$61,810
North Carolina$39,220$31,730$48,390
North Dakota$40,100$35,960$57,190
Ohio$38,110$32,120$46,520
Oklahoma$35,880$29,910$47,510
Oregon$46,990$38,330$58,530
Pennsylvania$42,790$35,350$51,830
Rhode Island$45,640$39,630$56,280
South Carolina$37,510$31,570$45,570
South Dakota$36,240$30,640$43,490
Tennessee$36,620$28,830$45,750
Texas$40,880$31,260$48,270
Utah$36,720$33,100$44,790
Vermont$39,900$37,010$54,180
Virginia$43,560$33,910$53,660
Washington$49,130$40,150$62,990
West Virginia$36,560$30,030$45,150
Wisconsin$44,600$37,770$48,690
Wyoming$35,810$23,270$72,130

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2033. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

Highest-Paying Cities for Phlebotomists

Where you live can make a major impact on the salary you earn as a phlebotomist. California is a top spot for high-paying phlebotomy jobs. In fact, eight of the highest-paying cities for phlebotomists are in the state. However, there are also high-paying pockets along the East Coast. Phlebotomists in New York City, Boston, and their surrounding suburban areas earn average salaries of over $48,000, according to the BLS.

Metro AreaMedian Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$60,050
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA$57,770
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA$56,290
Merced, CA$56,000
Salinas, CA$53,540
Stockton-Lodi, CA$51,380
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$50,190
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA$50,160
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA$50,070
Boulder, CO$49,820

Where Are Most Phlebotomists Employed?

Metropolitan AreasEmployment
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA7,170
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI5,340
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA4,600
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX4,070
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ4,000
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA3,240
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX2,870
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD2,510
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL2,300
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV1,990

Factors that Impact a Phlebotomist’s Salary

Average salaries aren’t necessarily the number you’ll see on your contract. Your salary as a phlebotomist will depend on multiple factors. As is true in many careers, advancing your education, earning professional certification, and gaining more experience can boost your salary. Your location and workplace can also make a big difference.

Overtime

Your flexibility and approach to work might also raise your paycheck. Overtime is regularly offered to phlebotomists, explains House, and since federal law requires that overtime hours are always paid at a rate of at least 1.5 times your normal rate, working overtime can add a significant amount to your take-home pay. Phlebotomists who can travel and visit medical offices that might not have phlebotomists on staff are in high demand as well and can earn additional compensation, House says.

“Phlebotomists are often needed in multiple areas at one time,” he explains. “Nearly all medical offices have labs, so (there is a need for) phlebotomists with a driver’s license who can remain flexible. These phlebotomists routinely travel when work is slow at their own clinic.”

Geography

Overall, phlebotomists enjoy the highest average salaries in California. However, other high-paying areas are located throughout the country. For instance, in New York, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, phlebotomists see median wages over $48,000.

Experience

Experience can help you increase your salary. You might be able to gain leadership positions or apply for roles with employers that offer higher wages. Plus, your experience could help you gain certification or advance your education.

Certification

There are several certification options for phlebotomists. They might not necessarily be mandated by your employer or your state, but they can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skill in phlebotomy.

A certification can help advance your career and raise your salary. Plus, some certifications allow you to broaden your scope of practice and take on more daily tasks. Adding tasks to your job can also add to your paycheck.

Workplace

Your workplace can also influence your salary. For instance, the BLS reports that phlebotomists who work in outpatient care centers earn a median salary of $51,180 while phlebotomists who work in the offices of physicians earn $40,820. Other places you may find phlebotomists include:

  • Medical and diagnostic labs
  • Specialty hospitals
  • Individual and family services agencies
  • Research and development facilities

What’s the Demand for Phlebotomists?

Phlebotomists are in high demand says the BLS. They’re needed to fill roles in medical centers, hospitals, and other healthcare workplaces throughout the country. Of course, demand can vary depending on the healthcare needs of your state. States with large populations such as California and Florida employ large numbers of phlebotomists. Conversely, less populated states such as Wyoming and South Dakota have a lower demand.

States with the Highest Level of Employment

StateNumber of Phlebotomists
Texas13,080
California13,010
Florida9,060
Illinois7,830
New York6,090

Metro Areas with the Highest Level of Employment

Metropolitan AreasEmployment
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA7,170
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI5,340
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA4,600
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX4,070
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ4,000
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA3,240
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX2,870
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD2,510
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL2,300
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV1,990

Phlebotomist Pay vs Similar Healthcare Roles

Phlebotomists earn salaries that are similar to those of other allied health roles that require about the same amount of education and training. On average, you’ll earn about as much in this role as you would as a medical assistant or veterinary technician. Medical lab technicians, who perform specialized diagnostic tests on the lab work collected by phlebotomists, earn slightly higher salaries.

CareerMedian Annual Salary
Phlebotomists$41,810
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$60,780
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$43,740
Medical Assistants$42,000
How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? (1)

Written and reported by:
Stephanie Srakocic
Contributing Writer

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? (2)

With professional insight from:
D’Vaughn House
Phlebotomist, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Moshe Kshlerin

Last Updated:

Views: 6630

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Moshe Kshlerin

Birthday: 1994-01-25

Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

Phone: +2424755286529

Job: District Education Designer

Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.