How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? Pay and Outlook

Phlebotomists earned a median annual wage of $45,230 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That number is the midpoint, so about half of phlebotomists earned more and half earned less. Where you work, your state, your schedule and your credentials can all move your paycheck. This guide breaks down what phlebotomists make, what affects pay and what the job outlook looks like if you are thinking about training.

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make? The Short Answer

The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook reports these pay figures for phlebotomists (May 2025 data):

• Median annual wage: $45,230
• Lowest 10 percent: earned less than $35,780
• Highest 10 percent: earned more than $58,780

The median is a useful benchmark, but it is not a promise. Entry-level pay is often closer to the lower end of the range, and pay grows as you build speed, accuracy and a track record. Your own offer will depend on your local job market and the employer.

Phlebotomist Pay by Work Setting

Phlebotomists work in several kinds of settings, and pay differs between them. The BLS lists these median annual wages for phlebotomists in the top industries where they worked in May 2025:

• Outpatient care centers: $48,030
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $46,670
• Offices of physicians: $44,500
• Hospitals (state, local and private): $44,220
• All other ambulatory healthcare services: $39,930

Hospitals and medical and diagnostic laboratories are the biggest employers. The BLS reports that hospitals employed 36 percent of phlebotomists and laboratories employed 33 percent in 2025. All other ambulatory healthcare services employed 16 percent, and physician offices employed 9 percent.

Setting affects more than pay. A hospital job may mean early-morning rounds and drawing from patients who are very sick. A lab patient service center may mean a steady line of outpatients. A blood donor setting may involve travel to mobile drives. Think about which pace fits you, not just which pays the most.

What Affects a Phlebotomist's Pay?

Several factors can push your pay up or down:

• Location. Wages vary a lot from state to state and between cities and rural areas. Higher-cost areas often pay more, but living costs are higher too.
• Schedule. The BLS notes that most phlebotomists work full time, and those in hospitals and labs may work nights, weekends and holidays. Some employers pay a shift differential for less popular hours.
• Certification. The BLS says many employers look for phlebotomists who have completed a professional certification. A credential can open doors to more employers, which gives you more choice.
• Experience and skill. Phlebotomists who handle difficult draws, pediatric patients or specialty collections calmly and accurately become valuable team members.
• Added skills. Some phlebotomists build related skills, such as EKG, to take on more tasks or move into other allied health roles over time.

Job Outlook for Phlebotomists

Demand matters as much as pay. The BLS projects employment of phlebotomists to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, which it describes as much faster than the average for all occupations. It expects about 18,000 openings for phlebotomists each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings come from workers who change careers or retire.

Phlebotomists held about 143,900 jobs in 2025. Blood work is part of routine checkups, diagnosis and ongoing care, so labs, hospitals and clinics need trained people who can collect samples safely and label them correctly. Job availability still varies by area, so check postings near you.

How to Start a Phlebotomy Career

According to the BLS, phlebotomists typically enter the job with a certificate from a postsecondary phlebotomy program, though some qualify with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. States may require phlebotomists to complete an accredited training program or hold a license or certification, so check your state's rules before you choose a program.

A typical path looks like this:

1. Complete a phlebotomy training program that covers anatomy, safety, order of draw and specimen handling.
2. Practice your draws and log the hands-on experience your certifying body asks for.
3. Earn a national certification, such as the NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). Our guide on how to get phlebotomy certified walks through each step.
4. Apply for jobs in hospitals, labs, physician offices and outpatient centers.

AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare offers Phlebotomy Technician training with online and hybrid options. Our programs are accredited or approved through NHA, AMCA and NCCT, and AlliedRx is approved by SCHEV (the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia).

If you are a service member or military spouse, you may be able to use military funding options such as SpouseWorks, Army CA or Air Force COOL. Eligibility and funding approval are required, so speak with an AlliedRx advisor to see what applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median pay for a phlebotomist?

The BLS reports a median annual wage of $45,230 for phlebotomists in May 2025. Pay varies by location, employer, schedule and experience.

Which setting pays phlebotomists the most?

Among the top industries listed by the BLS, outpatient care centers had the highest median wage for phlebotomists in May 2025, at $48,030. Medical and diagnostic laboratories followed at $46,670.

Do certified phlebotomists earn more?

The BLS does not publish separate pay for certified and non-certified phlebotomists. It does say many employers look for certification, and some states require it, so a credential can widen your job options.

Is phlebotomy a growing field?

Yes. The BLS projects 7 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 18,000 openings each year.

Ready to start your phlebotomy career? Register today and take the first step toward a hands-on role in healthcare.