Phlebotomy technicians, also referred to as phlebotomists, draw blood from patients – such as to test it for diagnostic purposes – and they are trained to do this in a way that helps the patient feel comfortable and at ease. These healthcare professionals are also tasked with ensuring that the blood sample is labeled correctly, sometimes even transporting it to the lab.
If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomy tech, you may be curious about the role’s pay. Here we share the median pay for this healthcare role, along with how average income can vary by state, and several other factors that can affect a phlebotomist’s wages.
Phlebotomy Technician Wages (Annually, Hourly, and Monthly)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, in May 2021, the national median pay for a phlebotomist was $37,380 per year, or $17.97 per hour.1 Since this is a median, this means that one-half of phlebotomists nationally earned more than this amount and one-half earned less. Most phlebotomy technicians work full-time.2 For those earning the national median wage, this would equate to a monthly income of around $3,115. Phlebotomy techs working part-time would likely earn less.
According to the BLS, the lowest 10% of earners in this role nationally (lowest decile) had an income below $28,990 annually.1 UMA’s graduates in the 2021-2022 cohort of its Phlebotomy Technician diploma program reported to UMA that they earned a median hourly wage that is approximately at or slightly higher than the BLS’s lowest decile.3
Phlebotomy Technician Wages by State
Phlebotomy technicians’ wages can vary depending on the state in which they work. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of the mean (average) annual wages for phlebotomy techs in May 2021.4
| State | Mean Annual Wages |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $32,010 |
| Alaska | $42,630 |
| Arizona | $37,040 |
| Arkansas | $32,980 |
| California | $48,070 |
| Colorado | $40,500 |
| Connecticut | $41,820 |
| Delaware | $42,520 |
| Florida | $35,710 |
| Georgia | $37,480 |
| Hawaii | Data Not Available |
| Idaho | $35,120 |
| Illinois | $38,570 |
| Indiana | $34,980 |
| Iowa | $34,050 |
| Kansas | $35,020 |
| Kentucky | $34,890 |
| Louisiana | $32,100 |
| Maine | $34,160 |
| Maryland | $41,790 |
| Massachusetts | $44,020 |
| Michigan | $36,250 |
| Minnesota | $39,840 |
| Mississippi | $33,980 |
| Missouri | $35,670 |
| Montana | $35,820 |
| Nebraska | $34,270 |
| Nevada | $35,170 |
| New Hampshire | $40,500 |
| New Jersey | $40,570 |
| New Mexico | $34,460 |
| New York | $45,390 |
| North Carolina | $36,250 |
| North Dakota | $36,760 |
| Ohio | $35,770 |
| Oklahoma | $33,030 |
| Oregon | $41,350 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,930 |
| Rhode Island | $43,010 |
| South Carolina | $34,530 |
| South Dakota | $31,440 |
| Tennessee | $34,910 |
| Texas | $35,340 |
| Utah | $34,820 |
| Vermont | $37,530 |
| Virginia | $37,080 |
| Washington | $43,770 |
| West Virginia | $32,530 |
| Wisconsin | $37,700 |
| Wyoming | $34,510 |
| Puerto Rico | $20,970 |
| Washington D.C. | $45,390 |
Becoming a Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomists typically enter the occupation with a non-degree credential from a postsecondary phlebotomy program, but some qualify with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have earned professional certification.5
Other Factors That Can Impact a Phlebotomy Technician’s Wages
Several other factors can contribute to a phlebotomy technician’s rate of pay. Among them are:6
- Amount of experience
- Cost of living in the area
- Having in-demand skills
- Supply and demand of talent in the region
Phlebotomy Technician Job Outlook
Phlebotomy tech jobs are expected to grow 10% between 2021 and 2031, which is faster than average and would result in the creation of 13,900 new positions.7 Population growth is cited as one reason, along with an increase in those who are older. The need for bloodwork to help analyze and diagnose medical issues is also expected to remain in high demand, increasing the need for phlebotomy technicians.
Ready to Pursue Training for a Career as a Phlebotomy Technician?
If working as a phlebotomist sounds like something you would like to train for, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers a Phlebotomy Technician Diploma program. This program can be completed in four months.8 It includes both online and hands-on learning opportunities, and also prepares students to sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam, if eligible.
Why earn your phlebotomy technician diploma at UMA? One reason is our high level of student support, not just with your studies but with your job search as well. We don’t end our relationship with you on the day you receive your diploma. We have entire teams that are dedicated to continuing to help you as you pursue your healthcare career journey, such as by introducing you to one of our many employer partners.
At UMA, we are more than a healthcare education institution. We are a community of people who strive to positively impact the communities we live and work within. If this sounds like a community that you’d like to be part of, contact us today. Let’s talk about how we can help you reach your career goals.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Phlebotomists. Pay. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm#tab-5
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Phlebotomists. Work Environment. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm#tab-3
3 UMA’s 2021-2022 graduate earnings estimate is based on wage information obtained for UMA’s graduates from the cohort. Earnings information was typically obtained by a self-report from the graduate, and occasionally from the graduate’s employer or other sources.
4 Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2021. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcst.htm
5 Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Phlebotomists. How to Become a Phlebotomist. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm#tab-4
6 CareerBuilder. 5 Essential Factors for Determining Compensation. https://resources.careerbuilder.com/staffing/how-to-build-employee-compensation-programs
7 Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Phlebotomists. Job Outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm#tab-6
8 Completion time can vary depending on individual student.
