Phlebotomists who have a few years of experience under their belt can make around $38,530 per year or $18.53 an hour, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In addition to a stable salary, the profession offers flexibility, versatility, and opportunities for advancement. However, before you can start work, you’ll need to earn a certificate from a postsecondary phlebotomy program.
Here’s a look at the earning potential of phlebotomists and the pros and cons of this career.
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What Are Phlebotomists?
An essential supporting member of the healthcare community, phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood for donations, medical exams, procedures, or research. They also help support patients who may be anxious about the blood draw or who struggle with an adverse reaction post-draw.
Other job duties often include:
• Verifying a patient’s identity
• Collect and labeling blood or other samples
• Entering sample information into a database
• Assembling, disposing of, and maintaining medical instruments
• Cleaning and sanitizing the work area and equipment
• Shipping or transporting blood or samples
Because phlebotomy requires a good bedside manner, it may not be the best fit for antisocial people.
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How Much Do Starting Phlebotomists Make?
Those new to the field can expect to earn less than the average — the lowest 10% of phlebotomist earners bring home less than $30,250, according to the BLS.
However, the earning potential of an entry-level phlebotomist typically goes up as they gain work experience and skills. BLS data shows that the top 10% of phlebotomist earners earn more than $51,610.
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What Is the Average Salary for a Phlebotomist?
Where someone lives can play a role in how much income they earn as a phlebotomist. As the following table shows, phlebotomists in some states earn a much higher salary than others. For example, in Oregon, a typical salary is $45,769 a year; in Florida, it’s $27,444.
What Is the Average Phlebotomist Salary by State?
| State | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $33,287 |
| Alaska | $45,543 |
| Arizona | $34,224 |
| Arkansas | $33,585 |
| California | $37,525 |
| Colorado | $42,497 |
| Connecticut | $34,050 |
| Delaware | $39,949 |
| Florida | $27,444 |
| Georgia | $31,009 |
| Hawaii | $44,574 |
| Idaho | $35,896 |
| Illinois | $39,358 |
| Indiana | $34,946 |
| Iowa | $33,768 |
| Kansas | $31,836 |
| Kentucky | $35,539 |
| Louisiana | $30,840 |
| Maine | $36,649 |
| Maryland | $38,689 |
| Massachusetts | $44,992 |
| Michigan | $35,181 |
| Minnesota | $35,323 |
| Mississippi | $33,811 |
| Missouri | $37,628 |
| Montana | $33,708 |
| Nebraska | $37,863 |
| Nevada | $43,061 |
| New Hampshire | $35,986 |
| New Jersey | $36,928 |
| New Mexico | $35,124 |
| New York | $35,124 |
| North Carolina | $40,394 |
| North Dakota | $45,536 |
| Ohio | $34,335 |
| Oklahoma | $36,667 |
| Oregon | $45,769 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,004 |
| Rhode Island | $42,392 |
| South Carolina | $37,304 |
| South Dakota | $43,037 |
| Tennessee | $32,780 |
| Texas | $35,654 |
| Utah | $32,803 |
| Vermont | $39,445 |
| Virginia | $39,371 |
| Washington | $43,550 |
| West Virginia | $28,579 |
| Wisconsin | $36,571 |
| Wyoming | $35,414 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
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Phlebotomist Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
When researching how much money a phlebotomist makes, it’s important to factor in potential benefits.
While the median annual wage for phlebotomists is $38,530, their total compensation package can be much higher if they qualify for benefits like health insurance or a 401(k) match. Because it’s common to hold a full-time role as a phlebotomist at a hospital or lab, it’s possible to find a role that offers a standard suite of employee benefits, like paid vacation and dental coverage.
Looking to get the most competitive pay? Consider focusing your job-search efforts on work settings that tend to pay more. Let’s take a look at the median annual salary for phlebotomists in a few different workplaces:
• Outpatient care centers: $42,750
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $41,580
• Hospitals: $37,400
• Offices of physicians: $36,970
• All other ambulatory healthcare services: $36,190
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Pros and Cons of Phlebotomist Salary
Like any career path, phlebotomy has its share of advantages and disadvantages.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
• Employment of phlebotomists is anticipated to grow 8% between now and 2032 • Around 19,500 openings for phlebotomists are projected each year • Essential role in high demand • Full-time work available • Employee benefits are common |
• Certificate from a postsecondary phlebotomy program often required • May have to work nights, weekends, and holidays • No option to work from home • Workers need to stand for long periods of time • Potential for injuries and illness when handling medical equipment |
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The Takeaway
To recap: How much does a phlebotomist make a month? Phlebotomists can expect to earn about $3,211 per month, which translates to $38,530 per year. But their earning potential can rise as they gain experience and skills, or if they work in a more lucrative setting, like an outpatient care center.
If you have a steady hand and a good bedside manner, then a career in phlebotomy may be a good fit for you.
FAQ
What is the highest-paying phlebotomist job?
Typically, phlebotomists who work in outpatient care centers make the most out of their peers. The median salary for phlebotomists in outpatient care centers was $42,750 as of 2022, per the BLS.
Do phlebotomists make $100k a year?
Typically, phlebotomists don’t earn a $100,000 salary. The median annual wage for phlebotomists is $38,530, and only the highest 10% of earners make around $51,610.
How much do phlebotomists make starting out?
When first starting their careers, phlebotomists should expect to make lower than the median annual wage for this role. The lowest 10% of earners in this role earn less than $30,250. However, their income may rise as they gain more experience.
Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions
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