Phlebotomy is a vital healthcare role you can break into without years of schooling. According to the pay aggregator website salary.com, the average phlebotomist salary in 2023 is $48,053.
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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting a healthy 10.2% increase in phlebotomist roles through 2031.
Healthcare facilities 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. 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.
Phlebotomists primarily find employment in places where there is a need for drawing blood for tests, transfusions, research, or donations. The common workplaces include:
State▲ | Salary▲ | Top 10%▲ |
---|
American Medical Technologists offer the RPT-AMT certification. To be eligible, you must have completed an accredited phlebotomy course within the past four years and amassed more than 1040 hours of practical experience as a phlebotomy technician over the last three years.
It's beneficial if you have worked as an instructor in a health program for at least three years. If you hold a phlebotomy certification from another organization, a fee will be charged by the American Medical Technologists.
The National Phlebotomy Association provides the Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (CPT-NPA) certification. To earn this, you will need to complete specific hours of training, including allied health and venipuncture training.
You'll be required to cover a total of 360 hours of training, 160 hours of which are classroom lessons, with the remaining 200 hours dedicated to practical application. Submission of evidence of this to the National Phlebotomy Association will grant you your certification.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers the PBT-ASCP certification. To qualify, you need a high school diploma and completion of an ASCP-approved phlebotomy program.
In addition, you must have logged 40 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of practical experience. Having a medical degree that includes phlebotomy training or a year of experience as a phlebotomy technician in a certified lab can be advantageous.
The National Healthcareer Association offers a straightforward certification process for aspiring phlebotomists. The certification is delivered at different levels, starting with the Limited Phlebotomy Technician, followed by the Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 and 2.
The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians offers this certification. Candidates must meet at least one criterion from a list of qualifications, including six months of full-time experience or one year of part-time experience as a phlebotomist.
Completion of a phlebotomy training program is a must. When certified, you should provide a letter from your supervisor verifying your experience, especially in areas of venipuncture and specimen handling.
The number of years a phlebotomist has spent in the field directly impacts their salary. More experienced professionals often earn a higher salary compared to those who are just starting their career.
Salaries for phlebotomists can vary widely based on the geographic location. Higher cost-of-living areas tend to offer higher wages, while areas with a lower cost of living might pay less.
Phlebotomists with advanced education, training, or specialized certifications may earn more than those without. These qualifications demonstrate a higher level of expertise and can lead to increased earning potential.
The type of medical facility where a phlebotomist works can also influence their salary. Working in a larger hospital or private laboratory may result in a higher salary compared to smaller clinics or outpatient centers.
Working different shifts, such as evenings or weekends, may affect the salary of a phlebotomist. Additionally, the number of hours worked, including overtime, can also contribute to variations in salary.
A phlebotomist's typical day revolves around collecting blood samples and handling related tasks. Below is an outline of their common daily activities:
Being a phlebotomist requires attention to detail, empathy towards patients, and adherence to safety protocols. It's a job that can be rewarding but also demanding, with varying tasks throughout the day.
The average LVN salary is significantly higher than pay for a phlebotomist. There are a few reasons for this: