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How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make? 

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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 $38,530.

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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 7.7% increase in phlebotomist roles through 2032.

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: $38,530

Projected job growth: 7.7%

10th Percentile: $30,250

25th Percentile: $35,020

75th Percentile: $45,280

90th Percentile: $51,610

Projected job growth: 7.7%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $32,690 $25,360 $41,680
Alaska $39,640 $37,120 $53,820
Arizona $38,030 $31,870 $47,240
Arkansas $35,410 $27,520 $39,070
California $47,580 $37,330 $65,670
Colorado $41,000 $32,240 $50,350
Connecticut $45,060 $36,550 $51,160
Delaware $43,430 $36,320 $54,140
District of Columbia $48,210 $40,740 $55,450
Florida $36,780 $30,660 $44,960
Georgia $37,840 $29,770 $48,110
Hawaii $41,470 $37,920 $60,880
Idaho $36,910 $29,670 $78,040
Illinois $40,510 $32,960 $52,240
Indiana $36,170 $28,830 $43,700
Iowa $35,980 $30,980 $44,940
Kansas $36,860 $28,230 $46,750
Kentucky $36,160 $21,470 $45,080
Louisiana $31,710 $26,530 $41,170
Maine $36,280 $30,520 $44,080
Maryland $43,140 $33,730 $55,270
Massachusetts $46,190 $38,340 $57,650
Michigan $37,140 $32,510 $47,100
Minnesota $39,860 $33,660 $48,930
Mississippi $30,700 $23,420 $45,170
Missouri $35,770 $30,640 $44,950
Montana $35,260 $30,240 $45,800
Nebraska $34,010 $30,330 $44,520
Nevada $38,550 $31,480 $59,040
New Hampshire $39,640 $33,300 $48,690
New Jersey $42,990 $32,990 $52,820
New Mexico $35,660 $25,570 $44,210
New York $45,430 $33,640 $60,840
North Carolina $37,070 $30,490 $46,080
North Dakota $36,570 $31,580 $59,900
Ohio $36,450 $28,160 $44,750
Oklahoma $32,840 $27,110 $45,730
Oregon $41,320 $35,970 $52,950
Pennsylvania $39,090 $33,060 $46,690
Rhode Island $44,630 $34,100 $52,800
South Carolina $37,020 $29,700 $43,550
South Dakota $32,440 $28,060 $44,660
Tennessee $35,400 $29,020 $44,320
Texas $36,780 $28,520 $45,050
Utah $34,940 $30,460 $44,900
Vermont $38,280 $34,960 $49,940
Virginia $38,900 $30,170 $50,180
Washington $45,480 $37,600 $61,340
West Virginia $35,090 $29,200 $40,720
Wisconsin $39,020 $33,240 $45,810
Wyoming $34,770 $30,330 $44,880

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. 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, nine 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 $40,000, according to the BLS.

Metro Area Median Annual Salary
Redding, CA $58,250
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $57,640
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA $56,080
Stockton-Lodi, CA $54,450
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $54,110
Merced, CA $51,440
Salinas, CA $49,190
Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA $48,990
Longview, WA $48,900
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $48,860

Where Are Most Phlebotomists Employed?

Metropolitan Areas Employment
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA 9,880
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 5,220
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI 3,600
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 3,550
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ 3,190
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX 3,120
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 3,030
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 2,310
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 2,230
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 1,920

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, Alaska, and Washington, phlebotomists see median wages over $40,000.

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 $42,600 while phlebotomists who work in the offices of physicians earn $36,280. 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
California12,590
Texas11,260
Florida7,270
Pennsylvania6,120
Ohio5,920

States with the Lowest Level of Employment

StateNumber of Phlebotomists
Wyoming190
Vermont220
Alaska240
South Dakota380
Maine420

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.

Career Median Annual Salary
Phlebotomists $38,530
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $57,380
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $38,240
Medical Assistants $38,270
stephanie behring

Written and reported by:
Stephanie Behring
Contributing Writer

dvaughn house

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